bcg problem solving test

Case Interview Preparation

Perform at your best during your case interview., bcgers share their case study interview tips., follow these dos and don ’ ts to ace your case prep:, test your case interview skills with these interactive quizzes..

BCG Potential Test: All You Need To Know (2020 update)

• BCG test fundamentals
• Common test questions
• Test scoring
• How to prepare
• Additional resources
• Case Interview Preparation

Chances are that if you are reading this, you are getting set to take the BCG Potential test and are looking for ways to prepare. More than likely, you will have been trawling first Google and then Reddit, Quora and all the usual sources - but finding only bits and pieces of fractured contradictory information. All this uncertainty over what you will be facing is a source of stress, before even considering that having a clear idea of what you will be facing is the first step to preparing for any challenge. Here we have collated all the information you need into one complete, free guide to the BCG Potential Test - so that you can get started on preparing with confidence!

We'll start off by covering the basics of the BCG Potential Test's format and the kind of questions asked before moving on to see how you should prep for it effectively, so that you can ultimately make the cut to proceed to case interview .

What is the BCG Potential Test?

The BCG Potential test is a skills test that measures your data assessment, numerical computation, and logical thinking skills. The test is a problem-solving test which uses a combination of math, text comprehension, data interpretation, and logical thinking assessments to allow BCG to compare candidates.

The Purpose of the BCG Potential Test

Much like the older McKinsey PST or new Digital Assessment, or the equivalent Bain Online Test , the BCG Potential Test fundamentally exists as a cost-effective way to cut down a huge pool of applicants to a more manageable number for case interviews. Firms take this so seriously because case interviews are highly expensive and inconvenient for them to administer; requiring them to pull consultants and partners off active projects to act as interviewers.

Preparing for an interview?

In terms of function, the Potential Test is exactly that - it is not intended to measure your current knowledge, but rather the skills which might make you useful to BCG as someone to train for the future. A logic and reasoning test is used as these fundamental abilities are a subset of the skills which would eventually be tested at case interview . High performance in the Potential Test should then correlate with a good showing in subsequent interviews.

Beyond this, the BCG Potential Test is not just a gatekeeper to case interview, but also a way to control for the inherent variability in interview results . A number of variables, such as how hard the specific case was and the subjective judgement of interviewers, make direct comparisons of case interview results difficult. With the BCG test, data collected is directly comparable as the test applicants are all completing the same test. This lets the company to ensure case interviews are somewhat standardised and helps guard against the accidental elimination of good candidates.

The BCG Potential Test Format

There are two formats of the BCG Test. In most countries the test is taken online , there are, however, some reported cases where the candidate was required to complete a paper version of the test at an agreed location.  It is important that you check out and confirm the format of your test prior to preparation and planning. Reach out to your local office and speak to their HR department to confirm your test details.

Online Testing Material and Content Notes

• The BCG online test uses one case study
• There are a series of documents that accompany the case study which you will have access to during the course of the test
• These documents are a mix of tables, text and, graphs and, contain the information on which the test questions will be based
• Initially, at the start of the test, you will only get access to one or two of these documents, while the rest will only be accessible as the test progresses
• There are 45 minutes allocated to complete the 23 test questions

Paper Test Material and Content Notes

• With the paper test, applicants will be provided a question book and an answer sheet
• The question book remains the property of BCG and applicants cannot make notes or calculations in the books
• The test is made up of multiple sections and each section will have a summary description of the case details
• The paper test has more questions than the online test
• There are between 3-10 questions for each section
• There are  50 minutes allocated to answer 53 questions

Using A Calculator During Testing

In most instances, candidates were not allowed to use a calculator during testing . The BCG case interview samples also specify that the use of a calculator is not allowed. However, there have been a few reported cases where candidates who have taken the test in Israel and Greece have been allowed to use a calculator . It is advisable that you confirm details such as test the format and the use of a calculator prior to starting with preparation and planning. Speak to your HR connection at BCG and verify the details and information for testing before putting a preparation plan into place

Content and Questions

Questions are grouped into three categories and are made up as follows:

The test will also include a number of documents which refer to multiple sources of information which are all interrelated. Each of the documents will have information, either in word format, graphs, and charts, or a combination of both. A new document is introduced to the test every few questions . To resolve the questions you will be required to review the document to find the answers.

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You could be required to source the information from a particular document or even a combination of documents. Each question will refer you to the range of documents that will contain the information you will need to answer the questions. This will require you to quickly and efficiently scan the document to find the resources needed to respond to questions. 

Question Categories

As mentioned previously, questions are broken down into three categories . These include:

1. Math Word Problems

Math word problems are the most common type of question for both versions of the BCG Potential Test. These types of questions are not very complicated and use the basic actions of fundamental arithmetic to determine if you can solve the problems using different formats of information such as text, graphs, and tables to calculate the correct answers. The challenge is to quickly and accurately solve the math problems . The most common errors applicants make on these questions is misunderstanding the actual question or misinterpreting the data provided.

2. Data interpretation

Logic questions will ask you to assess different statements and to answer by determining whether the statements are true or false. Although the questions do involve some basic math and calculations, they are designed to test your logic and critical reasoning skills. The challenge with this category of questions is to quickly identify the correct statements based on the factual data available .

3. Reading Comprehension

You will be asked to answer a series of questions based on a paragraph of between 400 to 600 words . The questions will be based on the information in the paragraph. The purpose of this category of questions is to test your ability to be able to quickly read and understand the complicated and lengthy document , similar to what you would encounter as a consultant in the field. With this test, the outcome is based on your interpretation of the text provided.

Scoring System

Firstly, it is important to remember that the scoring system varies between sections . In some cases, you get awarded a point for a correct answer. In other instances, you could be awarded up to 3 points. You could also lose points for choosing the incorrect answer .

You score points for the correct answer, no points are allocated for questions not answered and you can lose marks for choosing the incorrect answer. BCG uses this rule is to deter candidates from randomly picking answers when the time is running out

The best advice regarding these scoring variations is to pay attention at the start of each section on how the scoring will work . This information is specified so it is important that you read it and pay attention to it.

Planning For the Test

There are few tips that will assist you while planning and preparing to take the test. These tips include:

• Ensure you read questions carefully . First, read the question and then look for the information to answer it. If you have read the question first, you will have a clearer indication as to what you are looking for in the data.
• During the test, it is important always to consider the time constraints when answering questions. Being able to quickly scan the information for what you need, as opposed to reading the text, means you can quickly and accurately move through the questions
• Take the time to polish up your math skills . There is limited time for you to double-check your calculation. Refreshing your skills and preparing for the test will increase speed and accuracy as well as boost your confidence. Our math package is a good start.
• Although you must consider all the documents provided, pay especially close attention to graphs and tables . When answering the questions, start with looking at the graphs and tables before moving onto the text . A lot of information can be accessed quickly and easily from these materials without spending a lot of time reading.
• It is important to remember that the answer you choose must be supported by the data that is available . Don't rely on first impressions and simply pick an answer that looks like it could be correct - always make sure there is a solid chain of reasoning linking the initial information and your answer.
• Plan your answers . Knowing how you will be answering a question right from the start will help you know what to look for in the documents provided. This will mean that you are purposefully scanning the documents. Knowing what to look for will definitely save you time. 
• Think before answering and ensure that your answers are clear and organized . One wrong digit can lead to calculation errors. Keep your answers clear and to the point.
• Don't waste time . If you cannot answer a question, skip it and move on to the next one. It is better to be able to come back and review the question you skipped than to run out of time and not get to answer the remaining questions . Work out how much time you will need to answer each question and be disciplined in sticking to it. Do not stall - move on! Things will often be clearer when you come back anyway. If you take the paper version of the Potential Test, wear a watch in case you cannot see a clock clearly.
• The key to success in any test is to be prepared . Researching, planning out and thoughtfully prepping yourself for the test will give you the confidence you need to give your best ;
• Practice makes perfect. Take the time to enhance your fundamental skills, then practice. Practising will also help you identify the skills that you need to work on developing prior to taking the test. 

Additional Preparation Material and Support

Specific preparation material for the BCG Potential Test is rather harder to come by than for it's more famous cousin the McKinsey PST . However, the similarity between those two tests means that you can leverage PST prep material effectively as you get ready for your Potential Test.

Since the BCG Potential Test is designed to assess the same reasoning skills as a case interview, many resources aimed at interview prep will be just as relevant in this context. Even running through case studies in our free case library will be helpful practice in terms of working through tough business problems, however, our Case Academy is the ideal skill-builder . Indeed, as we note in our guide to the PST, to make sure you have enough time, you should ideally have started preparing for case interview before you get as far as screening tests like the Potential Test. Really, since you are sharpening the same skills, it is optimal to prep for both tests and case interviews at the same time - the work you do for each will enhance your performance in the other.

Things to Remember

• Additional Preparation Material and Support is available. Use these resources to polish your skills and prepare yourself mentally for the testing
• Practice your skills under timed conditions. This will enable you to simulate the testing requirements and prepare you for the stresses of the actual test
• Constantly use your practice to determine which skills you need to focus on improving next and pay special attention to those
• Leave nothing to chance, be prepared, know what to expect and, most importantly, be calm and look at each question with a fresh eye

Why Preparation And Planning Is Important

If you need some motivation to really get started, note that you should be aiming not just to pass, but set yourself apart right at the start of selection with the highest score you can . What you score on the BCG Potential Test is not only used to narrow down your position in the recruiting process, but will also play a critical part in the evaluation process from start to finish. It is crucial to remember that the data collected is used to compare applicants. Your test scores will count as much in the final round of interviews as they did in the first.

Forget outdated, framework-based guides...

Ready for the case interview.

If you follow the advice here and put in the time and effort to prep effectively, you will be in a great position to pass the BCG Potential test and get invited to case interviews - which means you now need to learn to crack case studies!

At this point, many candidates turn to old-fashioned framework-based systems like Case in Point . These resources sell the idea that one of 10 or 12 generic frameworks will be able to solve any business case thrown at you. However, it doesn't quite work that way in practice.

We can explain why this is so in a few simple points:

• The problems you will be given are usually based on real projects your interviewer has worked on recently
• Clients only pay to bring in consultants when they cannot solve their business problems by standard methods
• Therefore, you cannot expect generic methods to reliably solve interview cases

Frameworks are fundamentally unreliable and diligent, hardworking candidates will often put in many hours learning them perfectly only to be stumped by a case that won't fit into one of their generic schemes. At MyConsultingCoach, we teach you to tackle each new case on its own merits and to develop bespoke, novel solutions - just like a real consultant. To do this, we ditch the frameworks and teach you our four-step Problem Driven Structure method. In effect, this is a slimmed-down version of the seven-step method McKinsey use on real projects. The result is that you can walk into the interview confident you can handle whatever case is thrown at you.

We introduce our approach to case cracking across the dozens of free articles on this site. Start with our introduction to case interviews and go from there. However, the best place to learn everything you need to crack cases like a pro is our MCC Academy course . There, we give you all the background and theory as well as the time-efficiency and top-down communication skills you need to ace your case interviews. Teaching is delivered via high quality, fully animated videos (with several available to preview here ) and is supplemented by exercises to make sure you are ready to make use of the skills you learn.

Find out more in our case interview course

Ditch outdated guides and misleading frameworks and join the MCC Academy, the first comprehensive case interview course that teaches you how consultants approach case studies.

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Frequently asked questions

Sure , you can upgrade to any more comprehensive package any time.

Upgrading is easy:

• Purchase the new package
• Email us at [email protected] within 30 days – we’ll refund your original purchase within 24 hours.

We’re flexible, and can typically accommodate tight timeframes, even over the weekend, early in the morning or late at night if needed. We will find a way!

We accept payments by credit card, securely processed though Stripe, and Paypal.

Your interviewer is going to be an expert consultant, usually from your top target firm. Before getting mentored you will receive the complete profile of your interviewer. All our interviewers are:

• Experienced coaches : they all have extensive training experience (at least 100 case interviews)
• Experienced consultants : they all gained at least 2 years of work experience in MBB (McKinsey, Bain, BCG)
• Top performers in their firms : they all achieved a promotion to the next level in the organization (e.g. BA to Associate) - We don't have failed 6-months interns

Most of our Coaches are currently based in London and New York, but they come from various countries and worked in offices all over the world.

Cultural differences tend to be more firm-based than geography-based. All consulting firms are truly global: on day 2 you may be sent to a project on the other side of the world. This is why they work hard to standardize their recruiting methods on a global scale. Therefore our advice will equally valuable whether you’re in Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia or the U.S.

For at least three reasons:

• A different game : It's true that you've always outsmarted everyone before. But this is true for almost all applicants to top consulting firms you are in competition with. However this time the stakes are much higher and there is no second chance.
• A tier game : Getting into top consultancies is not only about being case study Ninjas. It is a blend of hard and soft skills that you can master. We help you on both. Usually if you are good enough to get near the top, you have the potential to make it to the top. And where you start your career will also influence what you will do 10, 20 and 30 years from now .
• Opportunity cost : Is there any other investment with higher returns? Even if we improved your chances by just 1% the answer is clear: it would still be the best investment of your life .

Sure. You can always upgrade from a smaller to a more comprehensive package.

To upgrade, just purchase the new package and email us at [email protected] within 30 days – we’ll refund your original purchase within 24 hours.

When you do not have much time left we suggest you to:

• Understand how the test is structured : many people fail the PST simply because they don't know it well. You can find all the details about the PST on our PST Guide. You may want to double check the total time, since most offices will give you 60 minutes but some others 70.
• Develop a solid answering technique : It is essential for you to acquire an answering technique allowing you to make the best use of the very limited time in the test. Our video and the PST Guide will help you a great deal.
• Practice smart : We advise you to try the official tests on the McKinsey website ( Test A , Test B , and Test C ). If you want to boost your chances our best pick is the Test Ready Package above. You will have the chance to practice on three 26-questions full-length sample PSTs. Then, our Performance Radar will help you identify your weaknesses by translating results in your performance across the 6 PST question types. The PST Guide will teach you useful methods on how to tackle each question type and the 60 additional questions will help you master a sound technique for each of them. In other words nothing will be left off the checklist!

P.S. Do check whether the first round of interviews is immediately after the PST or on a different day. In the former case, we strongly advice you to prepare for case interviews . The Beyond Test Ready package also includes 1 hour of case interviews with our Mentors.

Passing the PST is hard mainly because of the time constraint. If you had 2 hours, you could easily score more than 90% - but you only have 1 hour. It is therefore essential for you to be able to manage time. Please use the video that's on the page.

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Career in Consulting

3 Strategies To Ace the BCG Potential Test

If you are planning to have an interview with the Boston Consulting Group soon, you will likely have to take the BCG Potential Test . 

And if you have no idea what the BCG Potential Test is or how to successfully pass this test, don’t panic: 

This article is going to help you understand the ins and outs of the BCG Potential Test.

Also, you’ll learn how to ace this test feared by so many candidates . 

Let’s start right now!

Table of Contents

Understand the bcg potential test, the bcg potential test is a problem-solving test to screen candidates.

The BCG Potential Test (also known as the BCG online test, BCG assessment test, or BCG problem-solving test) takes place between the resume screening and the fit/case interviews . 

Because the recruitment costs are rising in all industries. 

On average, for 1 job opening, between 100 and 1,000 applications are received. 

And it costs a lot of money to review all these resumes and cover letters. 

And the Consulting industry is no exception. 

That’s why the BCG is using an automatic problem-solving test to assess 2 of the critical skills (see one of the sections below) that a successful candidate must have . 

Plus, the candidates who failed the BCG online test would probably have failed their case interviews as well… 

And therefore wasted the precious time of consultants. 

To a certain extent, the purpose of the BCG Potential Test is equivalent to the objective of the McKinsey PST (now replaced by the Imbellus test) or the Bain Online Test .  

The BCG Potential Test is like a business case

The BCG Online Test starts with the introduction of a business problem.

And you’ll have access to a mix of information (texts, tables, and graphs) that is included in between 5 and 10 ‘Docs’. 

Then, you will have to use these pieces of information to answer a series of questions to solve the business problem. 

At the beginning of the test, you only have access to a couple of docs. 

Also, the more you progress into the test, the more docs are unlocked.  

The information included in a doc helps you answer a couple of multiple-choice questions (with 4 options).

And the answers to these multiple-choice questions help you solve the initial business problem.

Important : a question may have more than one correct answer.

Important too : sometimes, you need to navigate in several docs to get the information necessary to answer a question. 

The BCG Potential Test can come into 2 formats: computer-based or paper-based

There are 2 formats of the BCG Potential Test: computer-based and paper-based.

And you’ll have only to take one of these two formats.

The differences between these 2 formats?

The number of questions to answer and the time allowed to answer these questions. 

Important: the computer-based test is by far the most widely used (about 85%-90% of the time). 

Nowadays, the paper-based test is for instance used in Russia and Israel. 

However, I recommend checking with the HR from the office you’re applying for which format of the test you will have to take . 

The scoring system does not favor wild guessing

As clearly stated in the official BCG document, your final score will be evaluated like this: +3 points for every right answer, 0 points for no answer, and -1 points for a wrong answer. 

In other words, if you are not sure about what the correct answer is, it’s better to skip the question and move to the next one . 

Also, it is generally accepted that the BCG Potential Test passing score is 70% .

In other words, candidates who successfully passed the BCG Test managed to get 70% of the questions correct (i.e. 16 correct answers for the online test). 

Again, this percentage may vary from one location to another (and is impossible to know before taking the test). 

Important: about the usage of a calculator

In most offices, the usage of a calculator is not allowed. 

Given that many questions involve math questions, you must sharpen your mental calculation skills before taking the BCG Problem-Solving Test. 

The main challenge: time management

The questions asked are not difficult per se. 

However, answering all the questions (and targeting at least 16 correct answers) given the time allowed can be a challenge (and stressful). 

That’s why you should practice (plus, see a section below about how to prepare for this test). 

Check if you’ll have to take the BCG Potential Test

Before the COVID crisis, only graduates had to take the BCG Potential Test.

In other words, MBA students and experienced professionals did not have to take the BCG online test (the BCG was using the GMAT score as a way to screen candidates). 

However, the COVID has changed the rules. 

And now I see more and more MBA students and experienced professionals being invited to take the BCG Potential Test. 

Finally, the rule may vary from one office to another (again). 

That’s why, whatever your situation, I highly recommend that you check with your HR contacts whether or not you’ll need to take this test . 

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Know the 2 skills tested in the BCG Potential Test

Before talking about the effective strategies you can use to ace the BCG Online Test, let’s take a look at the 2 skills tested during the test. 

Also, I put some sample questions that can be asked during your Boston Consulting Group test.

The first skill tested: your quantitative skill

In the 5 to 10 docs included in a BCG online test, you’ll get a lot of data in different formats such as texts, tables, or graphs. 

And to test your quantitative skill, the BCG Potential Test will ask you to answer Math Questions (also known as Word Problems ). 

Here the BCG measures your proficiency in chart reading and in mental calculations. 

For instance, here are some Math questions you can have:

To answer the Math questions correctly, you must be able to read and analyze data presented in multiple formats . 

Also, Math questions involve a lot of mental calculations . 

The second skill tested: your logical reasoning skill (also known as critical thinking)

Besides Math questions, the BCG Potential Test assesses your ability to derive logical conclusions from facts by asking you to answer deductive logic questions .

In other words, the test measures your ability to analyze data and draw rational conclusions using your reasoning skills .

And you can recognize a deductive logic question when the question starts like this:

• Which of the following statements is supported by the data provided?
• Which of the following, if true, can explain why XXX?
• Based on the information provided, which of the following statements are true?.

For instance, here are some deductive logic questions you can have:

Improve these 2 skills before taking the BCG Potential Test

I have identified 5 ways to improve your quantitative skill and your critical thinking. 

As you can see in the above infographic, most sections of the GMAT exams will help you improve your skills. 

Besides, since time management is a critical success factor to pass the BCG Potential Test, I recommend practicing with GMAT’s Reading Comprehension sample questions. 

Also, confidence, speed, and accuracy come from practice . 

That’s why my free course (sign up here ) includes a lot of tests and exercises. 

Finally, here are some practical steps to prepare for the BCG online test :

Use these 3 strategies during your BCG Potential Test

Strategy #1: how to ace the math questions.

Here is a strategy for acing the Math questions :

Step #1 : Read the question carefully (before reading all the information aimlessly). 

Step #2 : Determine the different elements you need to answer the question. Think of these elements as the variables of an arithmetic equation. And solving this arithmetic equation should answer the question. 

Step #3 : Search for the value of these elements in the Docs. Important: you might sometimes need to compute 2 or more numbers to get a value you are looking for.

Step #4 : Compute numbers to get the answer. Do not estimate. Instead, use precise numbers. 

Strategy #2: how to ace the deductive logic questions

Here is a strategy for acing the deductive logic questions :

Step #2 : Understand the cause-and-effect relationships. Think of all the conditions that must be true for the statement to be valid.  

Step #3 : Use the information in the Docs to check if the conditions are true or not.

Strategy #3: how to ace time management

This strategy is simple: do not waste your time by watching the clock constantly.

Instead, check the clock every 3 or 4 questions to check how long you are spending on each question (your target should be a maximum of 2 minutes per question). 

Practice with these resources

To begin with, you can sign up for my FREE course here , and you’ll be able to download a BCG Potential Test practice pdf document. It’s the official BCG Potential Test practice example.

In addition, many questions asked in the BCG Online Test are closed to questions asked in the GMAT.

That’s why you can also find free GMAT prep resources to prepare for the BCG Online Test in my free course (sign up here ).  

To conclude, I hope that this article has helped you better understand what the BCG problem-solving test is and how to ace this test. 

Now it’s your turn. 

Let me know in the comments below which type of questions you are not comfortable with and how I can help you.

The more important thing is to always progress.

4 thoughts on “3 Strategies To Ace the BCG Potential Test”

This is a great help, thank you. I can’t believe it’s free!

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Thanks for your message.

I don’t sell the course SOLVE as a standalone course.

The only way to access it is to buy the course ESTIMATE (and tick the special offer box): https://careerinconsulting.thrivecart.com/estimate/

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BCG Pymetrics Test 2024: 12 Mini Games w/ Simulation

The BCG Pymetrics Test is a new neuroscience-based pre-interview test made by Pymetrics for the Boston Consulting Group. Most people say there is no way to prepare for this kind of test – after all, they are designed to expose your “true self” – or are they?

The best way to prepare for this reputedly “unpreparable” test is to break it down into bite-size pieces in the true consulting spirit, figure out their logic, and act accordingly to train yourself on desirable traits and embrace corresponding test-taking tips. So continue reading, because this is the most detailed guide out here on the BCG Pymetrics Test.

What is the BCG Pymetrics Test?

The BCG Pymetrics Test is a pre-interview screening test designed by the firm Pymetrics for use by Boston Consulting Group , using 12 mini-games played in 30 minutes to assess candidates on social, emotional, and cognitive traits such as attention, emotion, decision-making, risk tolerance, and others.

The test benchmarks candidates against cognitive profiles of “star consultants”. The more similar a candidate is to a “star consultant”, the more likely they will be selected.

The Pymetrics Test used by BCG is the same as the Pymetrics Test used by other businesses. (that is, Pymetrics deploys the same tests for many of its clients). That means if you prepare for the BCG Pymetrics Test, you are prepared for Pymetrics at other firms as well.

BCG Casey Simulation

Pass the BCG Online Case Experience (also known as the Casey / Chatbot Interview) with a comprehensive, interactive mock test and practice environment

How does BCG use the Pymetrics Test?

The BCG Pymetrics Test appears in the first recruitment stage , in conjunction with the resume & cover letter screening round. Once your resume has been received, you will be required to take the Pymetrics Test.

While the second recruitment stage is BCG Online Case Experience/Casey is result-based and tests candidates on problem-solving skills, quantitative reasoning and business aptitude, the Pymetrics Test is a personality/general cognitive test .

Hence, there are no correct or incorrect answers, and BCG will use the responses data to assess the candidates' characteristics. 

The BCG Pymetrics Test follows a mini-game format of 20-30 minutes , the candidate has to play through 12 mini-games, each lasting 1-3 minutes with different objectives and underlying assessment. The candidate is allowed to pause freely between games but not during each game. The test can be taken using a computer or smartphone .

The Pymetrics Test has now become a mandatory test for all applicants of BCG offices in the U.S. and some other regions (not including Asian offices). The results of this test are kept by Pymetrics for 330 days , during which the candidate cannot retake the test, and results will be used for any application to Pymetrics partners (such as PwC, JPMorgan, etc.)

How precisely the results affect an interviewing offer remains speculative. Some reports claim candidates have been rejected based on Pymetrics test results, while BCG officially states that the test is an “inclusion tool” to complement other elements of the recruitment process – meaning you will not be rejected based on its result. 

Given the somewhat questionable validity of the test, however, it is highly unlikely that Pymetrics test results will be of much importance to the interviewing decision – with insiders claiming that these results are only taken into account in special cases with strong spikes in desirable/undesirable traits – and only in conjunction with the resume and standardized test results.

Whatever the case, understanding the test and making basic preparations means you can increase your chance of receiving an interview.

What does BCG look for in the Pymetrics Test?

The Pymetrics Test assesses the candidate across 70+ social, emotional and cognitive traits , which can be categorized into 9 groups . According to BCG, the results will be used to build a behavioral-cognitive profile to compare with successful BCG consultants – the more you resemble a high-performing consultant , the more likely you will be offered an interview.

The trait groups in the Pymetrics test are, as described by Pymetrics in their post-test analysis:

Attention : approach to managing incoming information and distractions

Effort : approach toward investing effort based on size of reward and probability of success

Fairness : perception of fairness in social situations

Decision-Making : approach towards making decisions

Emotion : strategy towards interpreting the emotions of others

Focus : concentration style for one or more tasks

Generosity : tendency to prioritize the needs of others above one’s own

Learning : approach to changing behavior based on new information

Risk Tolerance : level of comfort with risk-taking

While the BCG version of the test is reportedly customized to the needs of the firm, our test-taker inquiries and official statements all indicate that it’s very similar to the standard version , both in terms of format and underlying assessment mechanics – meaning the main “customization” lie in the end profile that BCG look for in candidates.

Practice the BCG Pymetrics Test now with  our trusted partners at JobTestPrep . Job Test Prep offers one of the best psychometric test collections online, tailored for candidates applying for the Big Four firms, as well as the MBB firms.

Breaking down the BCG Pymetrics Test

While the BCG Pymetrics Test is claimed to be “non-directional” – in simpler words, there is no right or wrong answer – this contradicts the statement about comparing candidates with high-performing consultants. In fact, there are “right” answers – those painting a personal profile in line with consulting culture and mindset.

For this section, I’ll break down each known mini-game in the BCG Pymetrics Test, and using my experience as a former consultant, suggest what kind of profile might be preferred. All the images below are all taken from JobTestPrep's Pymetrics Test simulator game.

Disclaimer: The following game descriptions are valid as of November 2020. If you encounter any differences in your test, feel free to email for an update – we will appreciate any feedback.

The recommended approaches in this section are based mostly on my personal experience with the management consulting job and culture. They are not definite instructions, as in the case of the BCG Potential Test or PST. Precisely what kind of profile is preferred is dynamic and remains unknown – and according to most reports, it’s not a decisive screening factor. 

Mini-game 1: Money-exchange 1

The game gives you $10, then asks you to give some/all/none to another person, who will receive triple the amount you’ve set aside for them (say, you agree to give them $2, they’ll receive $6). In return, the partner may give back some/all/none of that money. After the transaction, you will be asked to judge how fair it was on a scale of 1 to 10.

Trait tested: Risk Tolerance & Fairness

Recommended approach : Try to display low risk tolerance by giving out a conservative amount of your money (say, $2-3 only) – consultants are conservative people, and we are trained to not take risks, or suggest risky solutions to our clients. However, being too risk-averse is generally frowned upon even in this conservative industry. As for fairness, you might want to rate it hig h as long as the amount of money returned closely matches/surpasses the amount given. 

Mini-game 2: Keypresses

The game asks you to repeatedly tap the spacebar as fast as possible until told to stop.

Trait tested: Attention

Recommended approach : The faster you tap, and the smaller the gap between the order and your actual stop, the better – displaying high attention . Supposedly the overly impulsive candidates will shoot over the mark (i.e. continue tapping after the stop order), while the overly deliberate candidates will tap slowly to avoid overshooting.

Mini-game 3: Balloons

The game gives you a balloon, which you either sell for a meager profit or pump it up to sell later for increasing profits. However, as the balloon swells it, it risks popping, causing you to lose all the money for that balloon. The cycle of pumping/selling repeats until you’ve gone through 39 balloons, with the objective to accumulate as much money as possible.

Trait tested: Risk Tolerance

Recommended approach : Try to display low risk tolerance , similar to the first Money Exchange game. Consultants do take risks – only systematically and cautiously – so you can be strategic in this game. Take risks with the first 4-5 balloons to figure out the “danger zone” with high chances of popping, then spend the rest of the game under that limit, only venture above it every 6-7 balloons.

Mini-game 4: Money-exchange 2

The game gives you and a partner $5 each, then randomly gives either you or the partner another $5. You are then given the option to give or take any amount of money to/from the partner and asked to judge if the transaction is fair or not.

Trait tested: Generosity & Fairness

Recommended approach : try to display a moderate-high generosity as low generosity may be regarded as a potential conflict source.

Mini-game 5: Digits Memory

The game gives you increasingly long sequences of digits, in which one digit will flash on the screen at a time. You will have to memorize these digits to write them out later. With every correct sequence, the next sequence will lengthen by one digit, and the game lasts until you hit 3 incorrect sequences.

Recommended approach : The point here is to prove that you can take in as much information as possible . You may want to use a note to write the numbers down – however, be careful since you may miss the next digit during a few seconds of note-taking. 

Mini-game 6: Easy or Hard

The game gives you the choice to perform an easy task and a hard task. The easy task requires you to tap the spacebar 5 times in 3 seconds for $1.00, while the hard task requires tapping 50 times in 12 seconds for $1.24-$4.30. The task is completed once the number of taps required is reached. The chance of you actually receiving the rewards varies from 10% to 90%. The task is performed repeatedly for 2 minutes, and the objective is to accumulate as much as you can.

Trait tested: Effort & Risk Tolerance

Recommended approach : In this game, you should display the 80-20 rule of thumb , along with low risk tolerance . Balance the effort spent and rewards received. Choose the hard option only when the rewards and chances are high (say, $3.00 and 70%), otherwise, choose the easy one and wait for the next big chance.

Mini-game 7: Stop 1

The game flashes a circle of either green or red, while requiring you to press the spacebar to respond to one color, and stay still to respond to the other (e.g.: spacebar when green appears, do nothing when red appears). The task is repeated 15-20 times.

Trait tested: Focus

Recommended approach : This game is about multi-tasking – your brain must handle two tasks during this game: (1) timing your taps to match the flashes of the circles, and (2) deliver correct responses to the flashing colors. 

Mini-game 8: Cards

The game asks you to draw cards from four different decks. With each card drawn, you can either lose or gain a random amount of money. You can draw from any deck and can switch decks at any given time. You will draw about 30-40 cards – until the game tells you to stop.

Trait tested: Decision-making & Risk tolerance

Recommended approach : A suitable strategy here is to take a structured approach with low risk tolerance . Test each deck with 4-5 cards and see if there’s any pattern regarding the gains and losses. Then focus about 50% of the remaining cards on that deck, the other 40% on the “middling” decks, and 10% on the least profitable deck. 

Mini-game 9: Arrows

The game flashes a line of arrows pointing left or right and colored red, blue, or black. If the color is blue or black, tap the arrow button displayed by the arrow line (e.g.: if blue/black arrows go right, tap right). If the color is red, tap the arrow button reverse of the arrow line (e.g: if red arrows go right, tap left). The task is repeated 15-20 times.

Recommended approach : This game is about multi-tasking , the logic is the same as the Stop 1 mini-game (matching your taps to the color AND direction of the arrows)

Mini-game 10: Lengths

The game flashes a face with a big mouth and a small mouth. The big mouth is only slightly bigger than the small mouth. You have to tap the right arrow or left arrow button, depending on the size of the mouth appearing. If the tap is correct, you have a chance to receive a small amount of money. The task is repeated 15-20 times.

Trait tested: Learning

Recommended approach : This game is to check whether you’re internally motivated by the desire to “get it right”, or externally motivated by the rewards. The ideal consultant has strong motivations from both sides , so try to deliver correct key taps, but don’t waste too much time examining the faces.

Mini-game 11: Towers

The game gives you three towers of stacked colored discs. Your objective is to rearrange these discs between the towers, moving one disc at a time, until your towers look like the target tower appearing on the top of the screen. The fewer moves you use, the better. You have 2 minutes to complete the task.

Trait tested: Decision-making

Recommended approach : This game is to see whether you approach a problem/decision with structure and strategy . Avoid moving the discs randomly – instead, take time to map out the necessary moves in advance – preferably with a note. 

Mini-game 12: Faces

The game gives you the portrait image of a person, which may be accompanied by a paragraph providing the context for that image. You need to choose between 10 choices about the emotion the person is currently expressing.

Trait tested: Emotion

Recommended approach : This game tests whether you rely on gut feeling and facial expressions to figure out a person’s emotions, or on contextual information. Ideally, when context information is present, use it as the basis to narrow down the possible options – consulting are fact-based people, and in reality, people from high-context cultures (such as East Asians) do a great job not showing their emotions on their face.

Practice BCG Pymetrics Test

You can practice the BCG Pymetrics Test now with our trusted partners at JobTestPrep . Job Test Prep offers one of the best collections of psychometric tests found online, tailored for candidates applying for the Big Four firms, as well as the McKinsey, BCG and Bain.

The package contains accurate, interactive mock versions for at least 9 out of the 12 Pymetrics games , with even more mock games coming in the near future. 

Is the test accurate? Should you game the system?

This is a controversial topic about psychometric tests (or any part of the recruitment process for that matter) – can the test stand up to their claims of accurately portraying the candidate’s traits, and should he/she “lie” about who they are?

As for the first question, for now, most of these tests rely on the end results of mini-games (there is some process monitoring, but according to test-takers, it’s not a significant factor). As a consequence, candidates can subconsciously or even consciously “game” the test for the sake of personal-selling , as long as they know which traits their target firm looks for.

Going to the second question, from my experience, it’s acceptable for the candidate to “game the system” somewhat . Approaching problems with strategy, breaking it down into bite-size pieces to tackle one-at-a-time. If that doesn’t scream “consulting”, I don’t even know what else.

Many assessed traits do require practice to become proficient (such as learning, attention, emotion, etc.) – so you can’t say “I’ll be true to myself when entering these tests, there’s no need to try” – that’s the mindset no consulting firm ever wants to hire. 

How to prepare for the BCG Pymetrics Test?

Tip 1: reinforce desirable traits in daily activities.

“Fake it until you make it” – While fooling the game might be an option, it is best to immerse yourself in a consulting mindset and train the necessary skills – after all, you’ll need it for the case interviews and the job. Approach everyday problems with a bit of consulting methodology, and slowly you’ll think and act much more similar to a consultant.

Tip 2: Practice with brain training apps with similar exercises

Most of the mini-games used in the BCG Pymetrics Test are popular brain-training games , which you can access freely online. While these games certainly won’t share the underlying assessment mechanics with the Pymetrics test, at least they help you familiarize with the format and reduce confusion once you got into the real thing.

Tip 3: Take a good rest before the test and make appropriate reservations

Ensure that you perform the test in a fully awake and energetic mood, undisturbed by any thoughts or distractions. Keep your phone or laptop fully operational, get a good Internet connection that won’t fail mid-test. BCG gives you a few days to do the test, so choose the most convenient time for you – preferably with a few hours of spare time.

Tip 4: Prepare some snacks and take short breaks between mini-games

Running straight through 12 mini-games in one go may not be the best option – I know some people have the necessary attention span and endurance, but the test does allow breaks between its games, so why not take those breaks and refresh yourself with some healthy snacks?

Tip 5: Don’t pay too much attention to the assessment criteria

Thinking about how to look best in the test takes away the brainpower that would otherwise be used to solve the exercises. By this time, you should know the drill already, the only thing left is to run it, as naturally as possible. Focus on the task at hand and deliver the best results.

Practicing for the second round - the BCG Online Case Experience!

Although the BCG Pymetrics Test is mandatory, keep in mind that this is a general cognitive test with no correct answer. Once you pass the first round, resume screening & Pymetrics Test, round 2 will be the BCG Online Case Experience (Casey). 

Allocating time to practice for this round, since it is an assessment tool that evaluates a candidate's capacity to solve problems and business intuition. This test is also mandatory and will directly affect the final result of your interview process

Hence, You should read “ BCG Online Case Chatbot: Reports, Examples, Guide ”  as well as practice more with our BCG Casey Simulation tool ! Multi-cases in an interactive chatbot environment to help you prepare effectively!

The BCG Online Case (also known as the Casey Chatbot) is a challenging, 20-30 minute test with 6-8 questions of the case interview and GMAT types

In BCG’s 3-step hiring process, the potential test is between the resume screening and the case interview with the goal to filter unqualified candidates

Case interview is the last round of BCG hiring process with 3 phases: resume, online tests and interviews. Candidates will have 4-6 interviews in 4-8 weeks.

Related product

BCG Case Interview Guide

The Boston Consulting Group , more commonly known as BCG, is a global strategy consulting firm with over $8bn in revenue and 21,000 employees worldwide. It is the second-largest consulting firm in the world by revenue and is part of the prestigious MBB group (McKinsey, Bain, BCG).

Every year BCG receives thousands of job applications from undergraduates, masters, and MBA students across the globe. Working at BCG is considered one of the most highly reputable graduate jobs in the market and therefore is incredibly competitive. The acceptance rate at BCG is well below 1% and being an exceptional student is rarely enough.  

The BCG case interview is the cornerstone of their application process and is a problem-based interview where candidates are required to solve a business problem with limited information.

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• 1. What BCG is Looking for

With such an abundance of talent applying for jobs at BCG they are particular about the skills and personality traits they are looking for and they go beyond academic excellence. The type of work that BCG does on a daily basis for their clients requires a mix of quantitative ability, business acumen, and relationship building .

The traits they state they are looking for on their website are:

Problem-solving – The problems that BCG works with their clients on are complex and natural curiosity and problem-solving skills are critical.

Structured thinking – The complexity of problems means it is easy to get lost in insignificant details and so BCG is looking for structured thinkers that can take a pragmatic approach to the problem in order to ensure analysis is comprehensive. This is at the core of the BCG case interview .

Feedback incorporation – The culture of strategy consulting is one of high performance and so whilst consultants need to be confident they also need to have the humility required to take on feedback and change their opinion when the facts present the change.

Alternative thinking – The unique nature of the client problems that BCG consultants face means that often there is not a best practice approach to solving it that the team can take, therefore, alternative approaches are highly valued by BCG.

• 2. BCG Application Process

There are four steps to the BCG application process, resume and cover letter , online assessments , and first and then second-round interviews.

The first step of the BCG application process is the same as most other graduate jobs. Applications for BCG are straightforward and done online. They require a resume and a cover letter as well as some personal details. The cover letter needs to be unique to BCG and not a generic cover letter with the company name changed.

The online assessments consist of two different tests; the BCG potential test and the BCG Pymetrics game assessment . These are the filtering mechanisms that test candidates' quantitative skills and personality traits.

The first-round interviews are similar to those at Bain, are usually with a junior consultant (3-6 years experience), and are where you will first be tested with a case interview . You will typically have 2 interviews both starting with fit questions such as ‘ Why consulting? ’ or ‘Tell me about a time when…’ for the first 15 minutes and then followed by a 45-minute case interview .

The second-round interviews follow the same structure as the first-round interviews but are conducted by more senior members of the team , usually directors, and junior or senior partners. These consultants will be more rigorous in their assessment and provide a final hiring decision.

• 3. Types of Interviews

BCG use three types of interview across their network:  case interview, experience interview, and written case interview (also known as a structured case interview). The most common interview is the case interview but you need to be prepared for all three unless the recruiter states the type of interview you can expect.

• 3.1 Case Interview

BCG uses case interviews with the same weighting as other strategy consulting firms and typically a candidate will face four separate interviews before they receive a job offer . The case questions are based on real-life examples and the interviewers will have worked on the problem themselves, this allows them to provide context and data easily.

BCG is looking to test candidates’ ability to do the day-to-day work that will be required of them. On their website this covers:

Problem-solving

Alternative thinking

Structured analysis

Communication

Read our full guide on how to work through case interviews because these skills will be applicable for all case interviews.

• 3.2 Experience Interview

The experience interview is normally integrated into a case interview or written case interview with the first 15 minutes of a 60-minute interview devoted to the experience and fit questions. The questions are closely aligned to other job interview questions but strategy consultants will want to see a certain approach to answering them. The types of questions they will ask are:

• Why consulting?
• What is your greatest achievement and why?
• When have you led a team and how did you approach the role?
• What is a difficult decision you have made in the last year?
• What is an example of a time when you showed initiative and leadership?
• What do you most like to do in your free time?
• Why would you be a good fit for one of our project teams?

The key to these questions is to develop a structure that can be applied to all of them . By structuring your answer, you will show that even when discussing non-business-related topics you apply a considered approach to your answer.

• 3.3 Written (structured) Case Interview

The written case interview assesses the same attributes as the case interview and requires the same skills. However, instead of working through the case with the interviewer, you are given a large document pack (20-30 pages) that contains all the information required to answer the case. The information pack is dense and the time provided to read and digest it is small (c.10 minutes). This means that you are required to find the key pieces of information, interpret data quickly and structure a recommendation to present back to the interviewer under time pressure .

As with the case interview, there is no correct answer and the important part of your answer is the consideration of trade-offs for making decisions and comparing the possible strategic decisions the business in question can take . The interviewer will test your thinking and recommendations to see how robust your conclusions are and the steps you took to get there.

• 4. Case Interview

The consulting case interview is the cornerstone of every strategy consulting firm’s interview process due to the ability to replicate the problems and challenges of the work they do.

To score well in a BCG case interview, you must meet the criteria laid out above and you can do this following a structured approach to case interviews . The structure of a BCG case interview is as follows:

• Situation and problem
• Hypothesis validation
• Framework development
• Root cause analysis
• Mathematical calculation (sometimes)
• Creativity test (sometimes)
• Recommendation

At the start of the case, the interviewer will outline the context and the problem to be explored. An example might be:

“A high street retailer wants to cut costs by 30% in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, how would you approach this?”

You would then be expected to put forward an initial hypothesis on what the answer might be and explain your intention to prove or disprove it.

From there you will be expected to develop a framework to conduct your analysis and test it with the interviewer.

If your framework is MECE and you explore it correctly then you will find the root cause of the issue for the client (in this case where costs can be reduced) and begin calculations if relevant.

The creativity test is when the interviewer asks you for an alternative to your findings or recommendation e.g. “Okay, the client says they do not want to shut stores, how else can they reduce cost?” They may ask this more than once and it tests the candidates' ability to think of alternatives, even if their answer is appropriate.

Finally, you will be asked to provide a recommendation whereby you need to synthesize your findings and give a clear and concise proposal.

For more information on how to approach and solve case interviews, you can read our case interview guide.

• 5. Additional Tips

Case interviews are pressurized situations where your anxiety levels are heightened and you don’t have the safety net of notes or the internet to fall back on.

For in-person interviews, it is common that one of the questions will have a mathematical element or a market sizing question included . These require long maths calculations without a calculator. If you haven’t practiced long addition, multiplication, division, or subtraction recently then it is a good idea to do so. Being quick at maths shows your competent quantitative skills and reduces unnecessary pressure during the interview, increasing your overall performance.

We have published guidance and practice questions dedicated to case interview maths, that will give you an idea of what to expect.

As with maths, practicing case interviews is the best way to improve your performance. Through practice, you will begin to develop a robust approach that satisfies the structure and framework components of the case and you will recognize how to navigate the case successfully .

If you are applying to BCG then you are probably applying to other strategy consulting firms too, this practice will be relevant to all of the firms you apply to as they all use case interviews in their application process.

Apply structure to everything

The key requirement of a candidate in a case interview is the application of structure, specifically with a MECE approach . As mentioned above, you can even apply structure to the FIT questions and it is recommended you do so.

An example answer to the question ‘walk me through your CV’ would be to segment your experience into 1) Experience relevant to consulting 2) Experience not relevant to consulting and then briefly cover the experience you have in each bucket. This shows you understand what consulting is and what is relevant and also a key skill of a consultant – structured thinking .

If you can demonstrate robust structured thinking in your interview, you will score highly.

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BCG Potential Test, Pymetrics Games, Spark Hire Interview, Assessment Center 2024. Practice. Full Guide.

Are you considering applying for BCG? Look no further than our complete 2024 guide to accelerate your BCG online test practice.

The text below provides a full candidate recruitment, assessment and preparation guide and practice for those applying to BCG jobs, internships and graduate programs in the UK and US.

Our website provides scientifically validated practice game-based assessments, assessments tests, interviews and assessment centre exercises that can be used to practice and prepare for the recruitment and assessment process. 

Check here for Free and Premium aptitude assessment tests  and video interviews to practice and prepare for BCG recruitment.

If you are aiming to apply to BCG or have a BCG assessment test, or BCG Pymetrics test coming up, our text below is the best place to start.

Not sure if you should practice preparing for the BCG tests?  According to research, 60-80% of candidates are rejected based on their aptitude test results. It is proven that practice increases your chances of getting hired .

A recent study found that candidates who do not practise assessments, tend to fail at the first hurdle of psychometric assessments (54%-84%). This study looked at the Top 100 global employers. (Bradley et al, 2019)

In a nutshell

How to prepare for the BCG assessment process and tests to get the job?

1. Complete Your BCG Online Job Application

• Fill in your BCG application online
• Keep in mind BCG Values while building your resume. 
• Match your application and resume to BCG’s top competencies.
• Use their language/keywords from the job post

2. Familiarise Yourself with BCG Pymetrics Games 

The BCG Pymetrics tests will depend on the job role you have applied to. Understand the 12 key Pymetrics game assessments used by BCG. Ensure you uncover what will be measured, what is required, how much time the game assessments will take.

Register with GF to start your BCG Pymetrics test practice today.

3. Practice for the BCG Potential Test

There are a variety of BCG aptitude tests to hire. These include:

• BCG Numerical Reasoning tests
• BCG Logical Reasoning tests
• BCG Verbal Reasoning tests

You may get rejected already after these BCG tests; tests typically sift out 50-80% of candidates at this stage. The only proven way to get to the next round is to practice.

4. Record mock interviews of yourself

Prepare for a telephone or video interview by running mock interviews answering typical consultancy interview questions. For BCG interview practice, use:

• a smartphone
• our  video interview practice platform

Our  video interview practice platform  contains predefined competency and industry questions for consultancy and emulates experience you will have in platforms used for employers’ interviews (Hirevue, Pymetrics, Sonru). 

Use the  STAR  method for your answers and practice each answer several times.

5. Prepare for the BCG Assessment Center exercises

BCG makes use of a variety of competitive exercises during the assessment center to find the right candidates. Ensure that you practice for a variety of exercises including:

BCG Case Interview

Bcg group exercise.

• BCG Final Round Interviews   

Hone your written and spoken communication technique. Research online, prepare and practice as many business case studies as possible.

Be aware; not many get to this stage. The competition is very fierce.

For this final interview, use the  video interview platform  and record yourself answering the consulting questions using the STAR technique .

Continue reading to get answers to critical questions:

• What are BCG values?
• What is BCG Potential assessment?
• How do I prepare for a BCG case interview?
• How do you prepare for BCG Pymetrics game assessments?
• What are the BCG Graduate Schemes?

Looking into assessments with BCG, simply click in the table below to practice assessments relevant to your assessment process!

If you are applying for BCG, practice online aptitude tests  with us to improve your results to get scores above your fellow candidates.

Before we dive further into the BCG assessment tests, let’s discover more about the company first.

BCG: How to Research?

Why is research important before sitting for the BCG online assessments and interviews? 

Good to know: Research is important for all candidates applying to the Boston Consulting Group, as it provides a better idea of the work culture and the company expectations. Research is also key to support your preparation ahead of your interviews in your BCG selection process .

Keep reading as we cover the research basics you should know before you apply.

What does BCG do?

BCG or the Boston Consulting Group is an American Management Consulting firm with its headquarters in Boston. BCG was founded in 1963 and is now one of the Big Three largest management consulting firms by revenue. BCG has 90 offices in over 50 countries around the world. 

It is the world’s top company for management and strategic consulting, working for clients in private, public and not-for-profit sectors including over two thirds of the Fortune 500 companies .

Boston Consulting Group has several subsidiary companies which work under the brand name BCG: 

What are the Boston Consulting Group Values?

• Integrity: BCG values honesty, transparency, and ethical behavior in all of its interactions with clients, colleagues, and communities.
• Respect for Individual: BCG believes in treating everyone with dignity, empathy, and consideration, and fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace.
• Teamwork: BCG promotes collaboration, mutual support, and a shared sense of purpose among its teams and clients.
• Personal impact: BCG seeks to empower its employees to make a meaningful difference in the world through their work and contributions.
• Entrepreneurial spirit: BCG encourages creativity, innovation, and a willingness to take risks and experiment in pursuit of new ideas and solutions.

Top qualities BCG expects in their employees

Similar to the above values, BCG seeks the best candidates that have:

• Creative thinking skills
• A collaborative mindset 
• Intellectual curiosity 
• Integrity 

Besides the above-mentioned, we recommend you do some further extensive research on Boston Consulting Group. We have come up with a few pointers on what areas you should focus your research in order to ace your BCG application . 

Boston Consulting Group: Top 4 Tips to research

• Understand the problems being faced by BCG currently : Think about what actions you can take to help resolve these within your role.
• Consider the current and previous projects BCG has worked on : what projects has the company worked on with their clients? Do these interest you? Think about how you can contribute to these in your role.
• Understand the impact of BCG : Research on how BCG is helping the environment, such as committing to reach net-zero climate impact by 2030.
• Consider the key areas that connect you : Think of the key areas on a personal level that you align with the organisation, such as any charitable trusts run by them. 

For more tips on how you can research BCG ahead of your application, check out this short video:

Now that we’ve researched the company, it’s time to apply. So what can we expect in the BCG recruitment process ?

Boston Consulting Group Recruitment Process

What is the BCG application process?

The BCG selection process mainly consists of 5 stages of assessment depending on the job function . These different stages of assessment are designed to assess your full potential, by examining your analytical abilities, decision-making skills, written and spoken skills, and overall work personality through different tests.

Here’s a simple breakdown of what’s to come in your BCG application process:

• Online Application
• Pymetrics Game Assessments
• Potential test: BCG Online Assessments
• Spark Hire Video Interview
• Assessment Center

Without further ado, let’s get started!

BCG Online Application  

What is the BCG online application?

The BCG online application will be your first chance to impress the recruiters at BCG and so you should make sure that your application consists of all the details required. 

What will the BCG application form consist of?

The BCG application form requires you to fill in the following details: 

• Personal information 
• Education and qualifications 
• Contact information 
• Soft skills 

What skills you add in your BCG application play a major role in getting your application selected. The skills you may use in your BCG job application can be: 

• Problem-solving 
• Adaptability
• Communication
• Teamworking
• Organisational skills
• Attention to detail

BCG Application Tip : Avoid using overused words such as specialize, experienced, skilled, passionate, expert, motivated, etc. Instead focus on using keywords used in the job description.

At this stage you will be required to upload a copy of your CV/Resume. Depending on the position and location, you may also be asked further questions such as language fluency for specific locations.

The most important and job winning part of your BCG application is your CV/Resume . Therefore, make sure you take some extra time in building a resume that can get you to the next stages of the BCG hiring process. 

In your CV/Resume, ensure to include evidence and the impact of the following 4 areas:

• Academic history, performance and achievements
• Excellent team working skills e.g. sports teams or social clubs
• Leadership skills, such as running an event
• Work experience. This can include volunteering or internships

Good to know : It’s always advisable to attach a cover letter if you have the option to. When writing a cover letter, ensure to show your enthusiasm by aligning yourself with their values , discussing recent events at BCG which interest you and how you are the best fit for the role. 

For more tips on your BCG online application, check out this short video where we cover 3 common mistakes that you should avoid in your resume:

With this we have discussed all the major segments of the BCG online application form . 

BCG Application Tip : Apply as early as possible, as applications are often reviewed on a rolling basis. This increases your chances of progressing through to the next stage of the recruitment process.

Once your application has been accepted, you will be shortly invited to the next stage of the Boston Consulting Group application process , i.e., the BCG Pymetrics game assessments. 

BCG Pymetrics Game Assessments

What are the BCG Pymetrics tests?

The BCG game assessments provided by Pymetrics are designed to measure various cognitive and personality traits including attention, memory, risk-taking, decision-making, etc. 

Good to know : You may or may not be invited for this stage of assessment depending on the job role you have applied to. 

Here are some key facts about your BCG Pymetrics game assessment test: 

• You may be required to take one or several of the 12 core Pymetrics mini games
• They measure cognitive and emotional attributes
• The games take around 25 minutes to complete in total
• This series of core games form a picture of your strengths, and suggest suitable roles
• The game assessments measure your:  Attention ,  Focus ,  Effort ,  Generosity ,  Fairness ,  Learning ,  Decision Making ,  Risk Tolerance ,  Emotion

How to prepare for BCG Pymetrics game assessments

We’ve got you covered with our own practice game-based assessments , which emulate how you will be assessed in your BCG tests. Start now to get a head start on your BCG Pymetrics test practice!

For further details on what to expect in each BCG Pymetrics test you are about to get and what qualities do these game-assessments assess, don’t miss our in-depth guide here .  

With this, we move to the next stage of your BCG assessment process, i.e., the BCG potential test. 

BCG Potential Test: BCG Online Assessments

What is the BCG potential test?

BCG potential test is a series of online BCG aptitude tests which aim at measuring your abilities and potential to perform particular tasks or duties required for the role at the company. 

The company typically requires you to perform well in the following 3 kinds of assessments during the BCG tests, and they are:

• BCG Numerical Reasoning Test
• BCG Logical Reasoning Test
• BCG Verbal Reasoning Test

BCG potential test – Key facts:

• All the questions asked in this round will be related to the same business case. 
• The test consists of a series of multiple-choice questions that cover a range of topics, including data analysis, market sizing, business strategy, and logic puzzles
• There is a  -1 point penalty for each wrong answer , compared to + 3 points for each correct answer.
• Some questions in the BCG potential test may have 2-3 correct answers at the same time. Therefore it’s important to check each answer with the data provided
• You will be required to answer 23 questions in 45 minutes. 
• The passing score or cut off for the BCG potential test is around 70%. Therefore, if you solve at least 70% of the questions correctly, you may pass this stage. 

Keep reading as we discuss each of these BCG online assessments in further detail, starting with the BCG numerical test. 

BCG Numerical Reasoning Test Questions

What is the BCG quantitative reasoning test?

The BCG quantitative reasoning test questions are typical numerical reasoning test questions which aim at measuring a person’s capability to perform mathematical problems and interpret numerical data, since at BCG you will be required to work with numbers.

What does the BCG numerical test measure?

The BCG quantitative reasoning test  questions look for the following capabilities in a candidate: 

• Ability to extract data from graphs, tables, pie charts, etc.
• Ability to perform basic arithmetic calculations as well as ability to work with algebra, geometry, calculus, etc for those who are applying for engineering and technical roles.
• Ability to identify trends using charts, graphs and statistics and make predictions accordingly.

Gain key insights into the BCG numerical test section with this 1 minute overview of numerical reasoning tests:

How to pass the BCG quantitative reasoning test

Below, we have provided 4 top tips which will help you ace your BCG numerical test questions and tackle time pressure. 

• Revise basic mathematics concepts such as percentage, average, currency conversion, interest calculation, etc. 
• Practice  example numerical reasoning questions beforehand to understand the pattern. Take these  practice tests  exactly in the kind of environment and time constraints as you would have to be during the real test.  
• Be properly organised before your test , i.e., find a quiet place, keep all the equipment such as pencil, paper, etc., ready with you and start the test when you feel relaxed enough. 
• Strike a balance between speed and accuracy . You shouldn’t just aim to attempt as many questions as possible, but make sure that you are answering correctly. Also remember, the proven way to give greater focus on accuracy and speed is practice.

Practice  FREE QUESTIONS  similar to BCG  assessment tests ,  register with GF  and take your FREE  Numerical Reasoning Test  now, or test your numerical skill with this example question below!

BCG Numerical Reasoning Test Question Example

Solved it? Check the bottom of the page for the answer.

If you are looking for even  more BCG-style Numerical Reasoning questions  with answers ,  worked-solutions and professional score reports including personalised tips  based on your performance – then we at GF have you covered.

Another series of questions you are likely to encounter in your BCG potential test after the BCG quantitative reasoning test is logical reasoning. So, let’s discuss the BCG logical reasoning test in detail. 

BCG Logical Reasoning Test Questions

What is the BCG logical reasoning test?

The BCG logical reasoning test questions are designed to measure your ability to analyse and solve complex problems by using critical thinking and logic. The BCG logical test checks for how well you reason and solve problems in a structured and logical manner. 

These test questions will be MCQ-based where you will be required to analyze, evaluate, and draw conclusions from information or data using logical and critical thinking skills.

What skills does the BCG Logical Reasoning Test assess? 

• Critical thinking
• Analytical skills 
• Attention to detail 
• Logical thinking skills 

Gain key insights in this under 1 minute video about the logical reasoning test you may come across at BCG will include.

Top 3 Tips to pass the BCG Logical Reasoning test

• Familiarise yourself with practice to get used to developing pattern recognition skills under time pressure. 
• Remember the key logical rules used. Consider how the colours, numbers and letters affect the pattern.
• Focus on one question at a time. Don’t panic if you get stuck, move onto the next question and answer any remaining questions before the time limit ends.  

If you are looking for  a BCG-style logical reasoning test with answers , worked-solutions and professional score reports including personalised tips based on your performance, then GF has you covered.

Below is an example of the BCG-style logical reasoning test question we’ve designed to help you familiarise yourself with the questions you can expect in your potentials test:

In the example above you will have ONLY around 60 seconds to notice that:

• the arrow moves around the diagram
• shapes change from triangle to circle to square and
• the central line is either horizontal or vertical, and then to find the right answer! There is a lot of time pressure which often leaves candidates anxious and harms their performance.

Got the answer? Check it out at the bottom of the page.

Want access to more such FREE QUESTIONS  similar to  BCG-style logical reasoning tests ?  Register with GF  and take your FREE Logical Reasoning Test now!

Gain more experience on solving BCG-style logical reasoning questions, watch this short video with 5 logical reasoning questions and worked solutions: 

The last of all the BCG online assessments is the BCG verbal reasoning test. Read on to find out more! 

BCG Verbal Reasoning Test Questions

What is the BCG verbal reasoning test?

The BCG verbal reasoning test questions are used to assess your ability to comprehend and analyse written information for roles that require strong written and verbal communication skills.

What does the BCG verbal reasoning test measure?

The BCG verbal reasoning test looks for the following capabilities in the applicant, which are as follows: 

• Comprehension and interpretation of written passages. 
• Ability to understand the main idea and emotion of the text. 
• Ability to make inferences based on written information. 

Take a break from reading and discover more about your BCG verbal reasoning test with this short video on all you’ll need to know about verbal reasoning tests: 

But how do I pass the BCG verbal reasoning questions ? We’ve got you covered with these 5 top tips to help you ace the BCG verbal reasoning questions.

5 Top Tips and Tricks to Ace the BCG Verbal Reasoning Test

• Invest some in reading before sitting for the actual test. This will help you comprehend written statements better.
• Spend some time solving crosswords and other English exercises to make sure you build up on your vocabulary. 
• Practice  a number of verbal reasoning test questions to understand the pattern of questions and develop strategies that suit you to crack the actual test. 
• Understand the answer options . True means correct, false means incorrect and cannot say means the information provided in the passage isn’t enough to determine the validity of the statement. 
• Base your answer only on the information provided in the passage . Candidates sometimes mistakenly use their own understanding of a particular statement, which leads them to choose the wrong answer.

Feeling confident? Try your best at our example BCG verbal reasoning test question below!

BCG Verbal Reasoning Question Example

Want to practice more such  FREE QUESTIONS  similar to those of BCG online test questions,  register with GF and take your FREE Verbal Reasoning Test now!

Good to know: If you are applying for the subsidiaries of BCG such as BCG Gamma, your BCG online tests may also contain the BCG Gamma coding test , so be prepared for any such possibility as well as the BCG Gamma interview. 

And with this, you’re all set to get into the next round of your BCG hiring process, that is the BCG Spark Hire video interview . Now, what is the BCG video interview? Keep reading to find out! 

BCG Spark Hire Video Interview

What is the BCG Spark Hire Video Interview?

The BCG Spark Hire video interview will be an automated interview, where you will be required to record yourself answering some pre-recorded BCG interview questions on the Spark Hire platform. These questions will be behavioural in nature. 

BCG Video Interview Tip : The recruiters use behavioural questions during the BCG pre- screen assessment to understand how you react to likely workplace scenarios you would face within the company.

How long does the BCG Spark Hire video interview take?

The BCG Spark Hire video interview takes around 45 minutes . You will be allowed to pause the video interview after each question and come back to it later. Although, if you are in the middle of a question and the deadline hits, your interview will be deemed incomplete. 

Unlock even more information in under 1 minute about the BCG video interview and how they assess you using video interviews:

But, just how do we ace the BCG video interview? We’ve got you covered! We have come up with 6 key tips and tricks which will guide you to prepare and ace your upcoming BCG video interview.

6 Top Tips to Ace the BCG Video Interview

• Do your research: Read the job-description carefully to understand what key skills that BCG is looking for and check the BCG Values and consider how these values align with your own.
• Prepare sample answers: practice with various example questions that may be asked in the BCG  Video Interview in front of a mirror, with friends or, on our Video Interview Platform to develop your confidence in your answers.
• Dress appropriately:   Even though you will be taking this interview from the comfort of your home, you should not forget that this is after all an interview and you should look confident through your outfit and body language.
• Check your tech: Make sure you have an appropriate internet connection, various external devices to aid your recording, such as the webcam, speakers, microphone, backlight, etc.
• Speak clearly: Do not go too fast with your answers, demonstrate confidence in your responses by answering in a moderate tone and speaking clearly. 
• Use the STAR technique: Use the S- Situation, T-Task, A- Action, R- Result technique when answering questions in an easy-to-understand structure. 

Did you know? By using the GF video interview preparation tool , you can nail your technique in recording answers to critical competency and tech-industry questions in your BCG video assessment through practice.

To unlock more pro tips on how to ace your BCG video interview, don’t miss the following short video:

Now that you are well aware of what you will be expected at your BCG video interview, let us go through some BCG video interview questions and answers to give you a clear idea on how to formulate answers to the interview questions. 

BCG Video Interview Questions and Answers

Question: What are your Strengths and Weaknesses?

Tips to answer: Pick one strength and one weakness. For strengths you can pick any of the key competencies for the job from the job description, but make sure to provide an example. For the weakness, do not use a skill crucial for the job. Use a real weakness and discuss how you are improving this area.

Good Answer:

• My strength is working well in a team, where I prioritize group goals over personal goals and always actively listen to my team members’ thoughts and ideas. In my last role as a team lead in my marketing team, I had delegated tasks across the team based on their ideas and schedules. As a result, we effectively improved our overall performance and saw a boost in sales from our last marketing campaign by 17%.
• Although I had struggled with time-management, I always continue to seek to improve this and I am taking time-management courses. I constantly develop my organisational skills to also help manage my time effectively, leading to more efficiency at work. I left my previous job to seek new responsibilities in this position that enhanced these skills and continue to work towards my professional goals.

To get more tips on how to answer this question, watch this short video by GF:

Question: Tell me a time when you had to lead a team

Tips to answer: When the BCG interviewer asks you this question, they are looking for you to explain a situation where you demonstrated leadership skills. It is important that you prepare 2-3 examples so that you can share any of the examples which suit the situation the best.

• As a team leader in a marketing firm, I led a team of five in creating and executing a comprehensive marketing strategy for a major client. I established clear expectations, encouraged open communication and collaboration, and actively participated in the campaign alongside my team. 
• As a result, we were able to deliver a successful campaign that exceeded the client’s expectations, leading to the client extending their contract with us by a further 2 years. This experience also  reinforced my belief in the power of strong leadership to support the team to achieve team success.

Question: Tell me about your most significant professional accomplishment and the impact it had on your team or organization.

• One of my most significant professional accomplishments was leading a cross-functional team to implement a new project management system for our organization. As the project lead, I worked closely with team members from various departments, including IT, operations, and finance, to ensure successful implementation and adoption across the organization.
• As a result, this team helped streamline our project management processes, improving project tracking, reporting, and resource allocation. The move also improved coordination and alignment across departments.
• As a result, this new project management system had a positive impact on the team and the organization as a whole, improving project outcomes, fostering collaboration, and increasing stakeholder satisfaction.

Ready to take your interviewing skills to the next level ? Discover what top employers such as BCG ,Deloitte, Google, Amazon and Barclays commonly ask candidates with over 39 employer interview sets with our video interview practice platform today.

The last stage of the BCG hiring process is the BCG assessment centre , let’s dive into the details of this stage. 

BCG Assessment Center

What is the BCG assessment center?

The BCG assessment center is designed to understand your performance and behaviours in a real-life work environment. The BCG assessment center is rigorous and puts you through back-to-back tests in order to examine you on the basis of the competencies required for the job position. 

The BCG assessment centre mainly puts you into four stages of assessment. These are: 

• BCG Case Interview  
• BCG Final Round Interviews

Below we will discuss each of these stages in detail, with useful tips. 

What is the BCG case interview?

In the BCG case interview or problem solving test, you will be provided with a real-life work situation which has been already solved in the past and you will be required to use the data and come up with your findings to solve the problem at hand.

Good to know : This case interview is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your problem-solving, technical and specialized skills . This BCG problem solving assessment will be candidate led, where you will be expected to provide a framework and explore your options.

It’s important to prepare for your case interview through practice to develop a method to build this framework, but also to develop the analytic mindset needed to ace this BCG test.

4 Tips to practice and ace your BCG Case Interview

• You will be required to perform quick mathematical functions , so make sure you practice enough numerical calculations beforehand.
• Practice several cases from similar industries and backgrounds and develop a standard method that helps you with all the cases. 
• It is critical that you understand how to present your view or solution rather than just reaching to the solution. Therefore, practice expressing out loud your answer or outcome in a presentable manner. 
• The quantity of cases you practice has little to do with your quality of practice . Practice a fewer number of cases in more depth to find an effective method that suits you.

What is the BCG group exercise?

The BCG group exercise is a group task which you will be required to complete as a team. You will be divided in different teams and given a particular task or case study . You will be required to discuss the problems and reach an agreed conclusion. 

Discover more about group discussions at assessment centres with our in-depth guide .

4 Top Tips to ace the BCG Group Exercise 

• Remember that this is a team task, so you have to focus on the decision that makes your team the best. 
• Let your fellow candidates speak and do not interrupt while they are presenting their thoughts. 
• Try to convince your teammates to accept your idea without using a dominating tone. 
• Bring the shy or introverted teammates into light by asking their opinion on your suggestion and encourage them to give theirs. 

Spare a few minutes to unlock more info on BCG assessment center exercises and tips and tricks on how to ace them: 

Prepare and get ahead in your  BCG Assessment Center with practice. Go further with your  practice group discussion exercises  with GF.

BCG Final Round Interviews 

What are the BCG final round interviews?

BCG will put you through 2-3 rounds of final interviewing, after which your BCG recruitment process will come to an end. The BCG final interviews will mainly take place in two major phases. 

• BCG Behavioural Interview or the BCG skills interview: The recruiter aims to identify your soft skills such as teamwork, communication, stress management, etc. through various open-ended questions.  
• BCG Competency-based Interview : The interviewer will ask questions regarding your previous experiences and provide a scenario where you will be required to answer how you would approach the situation. 

Good to know : For your BCG final round interviews , use the  STAR +R technique to answer competency questions around your past experiences. 

Top Tips to Prepare for BCG Interview Questions

• Consider the job description and key  BCG Values for your answers. What is BCG looking for in their candidates? Think about the recent news, accomplishments and projects around BCG and how these interest you in the role you are applying for.
• Before your BCG interview, you should prepare some relevant examples that you can later use during your interview based on the most common types of interview questions, which require you to demonstrate various skills such as management, prioritization, organisational skills, etc.
• Don’t forget to ask the interviewer your own questions at the end of the final BCG interview. Stand out from the competition with some  thought-provoking questions,  and demonstrate your  genuine motivation  and enthusiasm to work for the company.

But what questions can I ask in my BCG interview? Here’s our top 5 interview questions that you should ask your interviewer:

Example BCG Final Interview Questions and Answers

Here are some of the most commonly used interview questions during the BCG interview process and our tips on how you can best answer them:

Question: Why BCG?

Tips to answer: Focus on the image of the company. Explain what you like about the company which distinguishes it from the other consulting firms, and why. Consider their culture and which aspects connect you with the firm on a personal level. Use this opportunity to explain how your own skills will contribute to the company’s image.

• I am excited to work at BCG for several reasons. BCG’s reputation as a global leader in management consulting is impressive, as well as their approach excellence, integrity, and collaboration which strongly resonate with my values in professional life. 
• I thrive in collaborative environments where diverse perspectives with the team and clients are respected and encouraged. Therefore working for BCG is an unparalleled learning opportunity for me to develop professionally and personally.
• In this role, I am confident I will significantly contribute to BCG’s goal of providing a useful impact on their top-tier clients and society through effective and efficient collaboration with my team. 

Question: Walk me through your resume.

Tips to answer: An important point to keep in mind while answering this question is to be concise. Focus on your achievements and experiences which are most relevant to the job you are applying to. Progress through your CV/Resume as a short story.

• Absolutely, I’d be happy to walk you through my resume. I will highlight my background, key experiences, and achievements.
• I have done my bachelor’s in Business Administration from XYZ University, where I graduated with honors. During my time at XYZ I was involved in various student organizations, including being the president of the Business Club, which helped me develop my leadership skills.
• My first job was with ABC Corporation, where I held the position of a Business Analyst, where I had to conduct market research, analyze data supporting the development of strategic initiatives. This experience allowed me to develop analytical skills and a deep understanding of market dynamics.
• Following my role at ABC Corporation, I transitioned to DEF Consulting as a Consultant. Here, I worked with a diverse range of clients across industries, including healthcare, finance, and technology. I collaborated with cross-functional teams to identify business challenges, conducted data-driven analyses, and developed recommendations to drive business performance improvements. I was also involved in client presentations and played a key role in implementing strategic initiatives.

Question: Tell me about a time when you had to face conflict

Tips to answer: This question will require you to answer using the STAR +R model i.e., Situation, Task, Action, Result, and Reflect. Your recruiter is looking for how you managed to communicate effectively in order to resolve an issue quickly and peacefully.

• Situation: In my previous role as a project manager, I encountered a conflict with a team member who had different opinions about the approach we should take for a critical project.
• Task: My team members believed that we needed to allocate more resources to the project, while I thought we should prioritize efficiency and keep the resources at their current level.
• Action: To resolve the conflict, I scheduled a group meeting with all the team members to understand their perspective and express my own concerns. I actively listened to their points, acknowledging their expertise and commitment. We used this meeting to find a compromise solution and adjusted the resources we aimed to use to accommodate the team member’s concerns while still maintaining efficiency.
• Result: In the end, the conflict was resolved, and we were able to move forward with a unified approach, resulting in successful project completion within the deadline. We had spare resources left over which we could use for the next project.
• Reflect: The experience taught me the importance of active listening, effective communication, and finding mutually beneficial solutions in conflict resolution.

Discover the potential question you may be asked in your BCG final interview with our proprietary  Question Identifier Tool (QIT)  as part of our Practice Essentials package .

Make sure you show your BCG interviewers exactly the candidate they want through your answers. To get more details on how to do that, watch the following video: 

After the completion of the whole BCG recruitment process, you will be required to  submit references and the company will run pre-employment checks  on you. If everything gets approved, you will be joining your dream job at BCG. 

But wait, before you go!

Are you a college graduate and want to start a career with BCG? Then check out our dedicated section below, for more information on the BCG graduate schemes and internships . 

Boston Consulting Group Graduate Schemes

Boston Consulting Group (BCG) provides a wide range of opportunities for undergraduates, graduates, and students who are pursuing their MBA degrees and want to kick-start their careers in consulting. To know more about BCG graduate jobs keep reading. 

BCG Internships

The BCG Internship programs provide you with an opportunity to work with experienced persons on real projects. These programs are designed for students who have completed their graduation degrees and interested in pursuing a career in the different departments of a consultancy firm. 

Being a part of these internship programs allows you to develop business acumen and leadership skills, and receive training and mentorship.

Some of the key internship programs currently offered by Boston Consulting Group are: 

• Associate Consultant Internship : a 10-week program designed for students who have completed their undergraduate or graduate degree.  
• Associate Consultant Program : a full-time position designed for recent graduates. 
• Business Analyst Program : this full-time position is available for recent graduates.
• BCG Summer Internship Program : This is a 10-week program designed for MBA students. 
• Bridge to BCG Program: This is a program designed for Ph.D. students, postdocs, and medical students who are interested in pursuing a career in consulting. 

Eligibility Requirements for BCG Internships

• Education: Applicants must be enrolled in any discipline under an undergraduate or graduate degree at an accredited institution.
• Academic achievement: BCG looks for candidates who have been excellent academically. This may include high GPAs, honors, awards, etc.
• Work experience: Except for some full-time internship programs and co-op programs at BCG work experience isn’t necessary.
• Language proficiency: BCG expects their employees to at least understand the language of the location they work at. Thus, you must be proficient in the native language of the location you are applying to.

Furthermore, BCG offers a number of graduate schemes for candidates like you who wish to train in a consulting firm work environment. Read on to find out more about the BCG graduate schemes.

BCG Graduate Programs

• Associate Consultant Program: This is a full-time position designed for recent graduates who have completed their undergraduate or graduate degree and are interested in pursuing a career in consulting. Associates work with experienced consultants on client projects, develop business acumen and leadership skills, and receive training and mentorship. This program is available in BCG offices worldwide.
• Business Analyst Program: The Business Analyst Program is a full-time position designed for recent graduates who have completed their undergraduate or graduate degree and are interested in pursuing a career in consulting. This program is available in BCG offices worldwide.
• Global Advantage Program: The Global Advantage Program is a full-time position designed for individuals who have completed their undergraduate or graduate degree and have international experience or language proficiency. This program is available in BCG offices worldwide.
• Advanced Degree Program: The Advanced Degree Program allows associates to work with experienced consultants on client projects, develop analytical and problem-solving skills, and receive training and mentorship. This program is available in BCG offices worldwide and is a full-time position designed for individuals who have completed their PhD, MD, JD, or other advanced degrees and are interested in pursuing a career in consulting.

With this the complete guide to help you pass your BCG selection process comes to an end. However, you can discover more insights into BCG with our quick FAQs section below.

BCG Recruitment FAQs

How to apply to bcg.

• Visit BCG’s official website
• Enter the job position, or
• Use the “personalized job finder”
• Enter your skills and preferences
• Apply to the vacancy online

What is BCG Forage?

BCG Forage is an online platform that offers various internships and allows participants to be a part of various learning opportunities. This platform has been developed in partnership with Forage, allowing participants to develop problem-solving, data analysis, and communication skills, while gaining insights into BCG’s work.

What qualities does BCG look for in candidates?

BCG looks for the following qualities in their employees:

1. Strong academic background and degrees from top universities.

2. The applicants must have demonstrated strong leadership skills, problem-solving skills and excellent communication skills.

3. Relevant work experience, particularly in consulting is always valued.

4. BCG looks for strong, open-minded individuals who are capable of converting their thoughts and company’s aims to action. 

5. The applicants must possess curiosity to ask the right questions and know more about everything they are put in. 

Does everyone get the BCG Pymetrics test?

No, not everyone will be invited to the BCG Pymetrics game assessment. You will only be required to play BCG Pymetrics games if your job position requires you to. This assessment stage may also depend on the location you are applying to.

How long does it take for BCG to get back after the final round interview?

The complete BCG assessment process takes 2-3 months in total and around 14 days between each stage of assessment. Thus, they may take 2-3 weeks to send you an offer or rejection after the last round of interviews.

Practice and Register with GF to get your job with BCG first time

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Go to  Graduates First  now and select from the range of products we offer at no risk. We offer a comprehensive premium package with a full set of assessment tools for job candidates (numerical, logical, verbal reasoning, situational judgment tests, assessment centre exercises and more). Buy with peace of mind without commitment to a full  100% money back guarantee .

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Mastering the BCG Pymetrics Test: A Comprehensive Guide

Last Updated on January 26, 2024

The BCG Pymetrics Test is an online assessment employed by BCG and developed by Pymetrics . It is used to evaluate potential consultants in their recruiting process. With the introduction of this game, BCG is in good company. A few years ago, rival firm McKinsey officially launched its McKinsey Problem Solving Game , a fully digital initial assessment of its candidates in a gamified environment.

In the following, we will give you all the insights to prepare you for the BCG Pymetrics Test.

What Is the BCG Pymetrics Test?

While both BCG and McKinsey use data science and algorithms to score the cognitive performance of their candidates, the setup of the BCG Game is different. In the current form of this digital assessment, you play through a series of 12 mini-games, each between 1 and 3 minutes, for a total of 20 to 30 minutes. For example, you need to play the Pymetrics balloon game, where you blow up a balloon to get rewards.

Previously, BCG also used a strategy game, where you had to run a lemonade stand that simulates one of five different business environments. This game might make a comeback in the future so we keep the relevant information in this article.

The History of the BCG Pymetrics Test

To develop this test, BCG reached out to Pymetrics, which is well known in the space of gamified cognitive assessments through its expertise in combining behavioral science and artificial intelligence to aid the recruitment of strong teams, all while minimizing potential biases.

Currently, the test is being deployed globally as an additional recruiting tool such as the BCG Online Case and the Chatbot Interview . It is not a decisive recruitment tool and your results will always be analyzed in combination with other factors such as your resume .

As BCG puts it, “The Pymetrics games are just one of several components of our overall candidate evaluation process, and your results will always be considered alongside all other elements of your application. The Pymetrics results are never used as a “filter” to eliminate candidates from consideration; rather, BCG views Pymetrics as an inclusion tool. The games help us identify candidates with a range of backgrounds, education, and work experiences who share the behavioral and cognitive traits of successful BCGers.”

Ask your local HR what you have to expect for your BCG assessment and watch a Pymetrics demo beforehand.

Why Did BCG Introduce the Pymetrics Test?

The reasons why BCG introduced a digital assessment with the Pymetrics, which evaluates more abstract skills and performance compared to the BCG Online Case, are fourfold:

1. It helps to filter a greater number of candidates with fewer resources

Similar to the Online Case or Chatbot Interview, BCG can automatically score candidates’ performance with the algorithms that work in the back. On top of that, candidates can take the Pymetrics from home, not needing any resources related to administering the test in a BCG office on a BCG computer. This way, a greater number of candidates can be evaluated, who previously would not have cut with their resume alone.

2. The Pymetrics is generating more insights into candidates’ profiles

BCG’s primary screening filter so far was the resume, which can only ever provide hard data on each candidate. What have they done? How successful were they? With a test like the Pymetrics, recruiters get a completely new dimension of their candidates. It allows them to see behind the curtain on to the ‘softer’ personality and character factors. The games measure skills consistently and create an accurate assessment of candidates’ current potential and future capabilities and strategic skills. 

3. BCG can attract new kinds of talent and better match it with their job role

Consulting tasks have evolved over the last couple of years and BCG needs new types of talent to tackle these new challenges. Tests such as the Pymetrics attract a wider range of thinkers than traditional consulting assessment tools and make the process more engaging, and less intimidating due to the bias-free and gamified environment. At the same time, with the information collected on each candidate through the test, their actual job role can be tailored better to their strengths and liking, improving overall job satisfaction, retention, and performance.

4. The BCG Pymetrics Test is bias-free and more accessible

In the old McKinsey Problem Solving Test or the BCG Online Case (Potential Test), candidates with a business background or at least a more quantitive degree outperform candidates from other walks of life. These old tests rely heavily on business acumen and math performance, which negatively impacts the results of candidates not familiar with such tasks. Additionally, the Online Case and Chatbot Interview are based on heavily standardized formats with a specific set of question types that candidates can prepare really well for ( we know the test inside-out and can attest that this testing format is more ‘hackable’ ).

While a format like the Pymetrics might be harder to prepare for, we are confident that candidates can also prepare for this type of assessment. After all, McKinsey has claimed the same with the introduction of their Imbellus Problem Solving Game, yet, candidates that went through our extensive training on the test significantly outperform their peers.

BCG Online Case: The Insider Guide

The BCG Online Case Guide is your resource to ace the Casey Chatbot Guide in no time with targeted preparation and test-taking strategies, skill building, and BCG-like, interactive practice tests.

What Traits Does the BCG Pymetrics Test Evaluate?

The series of 12 mini-games captures 90 different cognitive traits and sums them up into 9 categories

So, what spectrum is BCG testing you for in each dimension?

• Attention : This dimension evaluates your focus. It asks: What captures your attention? How do you adjust your focus in complex situations? Are you easily distracted, or do you maintain a structured approach to tasks?
• Focus : This measures your concentration levels. How well do you maintain focus on the current task? Can you effectively handle multiple tasks or changes in your environment without losing concentration?
• Learning : This aspect assesses adaptability in learning. How effectively can you learn in new settings? Are you quick to adapt to new rules, feedback, or errors?
• Decision Making : Here, your decision-making style is evaluated. Do you rely more on logic or intuition when making decisions?
• Risk Tolerance : This dimension gauges your approach to risk. How quickly do you make decisions when outcomes are uncertain? Do you prefer safer options even if they require more time, or are you comfortable taking risks?
• Fairness : This tests your sense of justice. What factors do you consider when determining if a situation is fair?
• Effort : This assesses your work approach. Do you focus on the big picture, employing an 80/20 strategy, or do you pay close attention to details?
• Emotion : Here, your emotional intelligence is examined. How do you manage your emotions and interpret others’ emotions in various situations? Are you more people-oriented or fact-focused?
• Generosity : This measures your approach to personal achievement versus altruism. How do you balance your own success with being generous to others?

In this personality test, there are no right or wrong answers per se. However, certain traits may be more aligned with the qualities of a successful BCG consultant. We discuss how to approach the games to align with these desirable traits below.

What Games Are Included in the BCG Pymetrics Test?

In its original form, the BCG Pymetrics Test consisted of two games.

• The lemonade stand (the beta test)
• A series of 12 mini-games

The lemonade stand is currently not part of the game but we have decided to keep it in for future reference. Continue below for the current series if mini-games.

The Lemonade Stand

The game is set in the business context of operating a lemonade stand and simulates five strategic scenarios in short turns. Candidates have to choose a suitable strategy to win against a computer opponent in each turn. Their approach is translated into certain skills, which are measured and benchmarked.

This game was the original beta test BCG experimented with to collect data. It is not used in current assessments but it might make a revival in the future.

The lemonade stand game was used to depict the following five scenarios:

These five approaches to strategy allow companies to both outperform their core business and to identify and build future sources of growth.

• Classical contains analysis, planning, and execution, suitable for predictable, nonmalleable environments.
• Adaptive refers to iterative experimentation as the basis of success under unpredictable, nonmalleable conditions.
• Visionary relates to envisioning and materializing new value-creating ideas when both predicting and shaping are possible.
• Shaping comprises an ecosystem- and platform-based approach for unpredictable, malleable circumstances.
• Renewal  is defined as a swift and pragmatic transformation to ensure survival under severe resource constraints.

The 12 Mini-Games of the BCG Pymetrics Test (current version)

Now, to use the findings of the lemonade stand game and to deepen the understanding of strategy skills in candidates, BCG engaged Pymetrics to develop a set of mini-games to analyze patterns of 90 brain skills, including memory capacity and speed, learning skills, speed of reaction, risk aversion, planning aptitudes, and impulsivity.

The hypothesis behind these games is that specific cognitive abilities such as focus and reasoning lead to successful outcomes in a predictable environment, whereas other skills such as speed, and learning are more relevant in dynamic situations. The 12 mini-games evaluate exactly those skills.

Out of the five approaches to strategy, BCG creates five archetypes:

• The top classical strategist is efficient and focuses on the task at hand
• The top adaptive strategist is quick to come up with new solutions to every problem
• The top visionary strategis t acts quickly and demonstrates resilience
• The top shaping strategist is similar to the adaptive strategist, yet has an increased capacity to learn
• The top renewal strategist has a little bit of all the others while focusing particularly on control and memory

Back to the actual games. Candidates report a collection of different games which all last between 1 and 3 minutes. Below, we have compiled a summary of some of the games you have to play:

Balloon Game

Gameplay Overview: In the Pymetrics Balloon Game, your task involves inflating balloons to earn money. Each time you pump a balloon, your potential earnings increase. You can choose to stop pumping and secure your earnings at any time. However, over-inflating will cause the balloon to burst, resulting in the loss of any money accumulated from that balloon.

Strategic Challenge: The game introduces a layer of complexity with balloons of varying colors, each behaving differently. Your goal is to observe and understand how each colored balloon behaves, particularly their tendency to burst. This means recognizing patterns in how often different colored balloons explode.

Keep in mind that the bursting point varies with each balloon, but general patterns do exist for each color. Pay attention to these subtleties as you play, using each balloon’s explosion as a learning opportunity to refine your strategy for the next one.

Key Skills Assessed:

• Risk Tolerance : Evaluating how you balance the potential gain against the risk of bursting.
• Impulsivity : Assessing your tendency to make hasty decisions or to proceed cautiously.
• Pattern Recognition : Measuring your ability to identify and predict behaviors based on observed patterns.
• Decision Making : Judging your skill in making strategic decisions based on the information at hand.

Through this game, you’ll demonstrate how you manage risk, recognize patterns, and make decisions, all of which are crucial skills in various scenarios.

Gameplay Overview: In the Pymetrics Stop Game, your primary objective is straightforward: press the spacebar, but only when a red circle appears on your screen.

The Challenge: The complexity of this game lies in the rapid alternation of red and green circles flashing on your screen. The key is to react quickly to the red circles while accurately avoiding the green ones, especially under the time pressure of the test.

A critical strategy here is to heighten your alertness during a sequence of red circles. Notably, when a green circle appears following this sequence, it becomes challenging to suppress your response. Therefore, recognizing these sequences is crucial for anticipating and accurately responding to the sudden appearance of a green circle.

Key Skill Assessed:

• Attention : This game tests your ability to focus and respond accurately under time pressure, particularly your skill in quickly distinguishing between stimuli and reacting appropriately.

Overall, the Pymetrics Stop Game is an excellent measure of your attention to detail, response precision, and your ability to maintain focus amidst rapidly changing visual information.

Gameplay Overview: In the Pymetrics Tower Game, a variation of the classic Hanoi Towers puzzle, you are presented with three towers, each holding a stack of differently colored disks. Alongside, there is a reference example showing how these towers should be arranged.

Objective: Your primary goal is to rearrange the disks to match the given example. The challenge is to accomplish this in the fewest possible moves.

Game Dynamics: Two key aspects are measured in this game: the number of moves you take to complete the task and the time you take before initiating your first move. Taking a moment to strategize before starting indicates your ability to plan and think ahead, which is an essential skill to demonstrate.

• Planning : This game evaluates your capacity for strategic planning, particularly how efficiently you can formulate and execute a plan to achieve a set objective with minimal moves.

The Pymetrics Tower Game is an effective tool for assessing your problem-solving strategy, focusing on how you plan and execute a solution in a structured and efficient manner.

Arrows Game

Gameplay Overview: In the Pymetrics Arrows Game, your challenge is to respond correctly to sequences of flashing arrows. The game tests your ability to follow two distinct rules based on the color of the arrows:

• For Blue or Black Arrows : Your task is to identify and indicate the direction in which the middle arrow is pointing.
• For Red Arrows : Here, you need to focus on the arrows on either side and indicate their direction.

Game Structure: This game is designed to be intense, encompassing a total of 135 rounds and spanning across 3 minutes. The extended duration of the game is a deliberate aspect, aiming to test your sustained focus and attention.

• Learning : Gauging your ability to quickly understand and apply the game’s rules.
• Attention : Assessing your focus, especially in maintaining it consistently over a longer period.
• Adaptivity : Evaluating how well you can adapt to the changing demands of the game, particularly when switching between the rules for different colored arrows.

This game is a dynamic test of how you learn, maintain attention, and adapt to changing instructions, all within a high-pressure, time-sensitive environment.

Hard or Easy Task

Gameplay Overview: In the Pymetrics Hard or Easy Task Game, you are presented with two options: undertake an easy task with a high chance of success but lower reward, or choose a more challenging task with a higher potential payout but increased difficulty.

The Challenge: The key aspect of this game is the varying probability of earning money in each round, regardless of the task’s difficulty. For instance, you might exert significant effort on the hard task and still end up without any reward. This variability adds a layer of complexity to your decision-making process.

A strategic approach is crucial here. If the probability of winning is low and the reward for completing the hard task is not significantly higher, it might be wiser to opt for the easy task. This choice demonstrates your ability to make strategic decisions, effectively balancing effort against potential gain.

• Effort : Measuring how you allocate your effort between tasks of varying difficulty.
• Strategic Decision Making : Assessing your ability to make decisions that maximize outcomes based on the given probabilities and rewards.
• Motivation : Evaluating your drive to succeed, particularly in the face of uncertain rewards.

In this game, your strategic thinking is tested through your choices between easy and hard tasks, considering both the likelihood of success and the potential rewards. It’s an assessment of how you weigh risk and reward in decision-making scenarios.

Gameplay Overview: The Pymetrics Faces Game uniquely focuses on your emotional intelligence rather than cognitive skills. In this game, you are presented with a series of photographs displaying various facial expressions. Some images are paired with a brief text that describes a context or situation.

Your Task: Your primary objective is to accurately interpret the emotion being conveyed by the person in each photograph.

The Subtlety of Emotion: Be aware that there are instances where the facial expression in the photo might suggest one emotion, while the accompanying text points to a different one. Such discrepancies require careful consideration. You must use your judgment to decide which emotion seems most genuine in the context of both the facial expression and the textual description.

• Emotional Intelligence : This game measures your ability to recognize and understand emotions as expressed through facial expressions, and in some cases, to reconcile these with contextual information provided in the text.

In the Faces Game, the emphasis is on gauging your perceptiveness and sensitivity to emotional cues, a critical aspect of emotional intelligence. This skill is crucial for understanding and navigating social interactions and emotional responses effectively.

Digits Memory Game

Gameplay Overview: In the Pymetrics Digits Memory Game, your task is to memorize and recall a sequence of digits. These digits will appear briefly on your screen, and after they disappear, you need to enter them in the exact order they were shown.

Increasing Difficulty: As you advance through the rounds, the challenge intensifies. With each new round, an additional digit is added to the sequence, progressively making it more difficult to remember the entire string of numbers accurately.

Effective Strategy: A helpful tip for improving your performance is to vocalize the digits as they appear. Engaging in active recollection, such as speaking out loud, tends to enhance memory retention compared to passively viewing the digits.

• Memory : This game measures your short-term memory capacity, particularly how well you can retain and recall information under time constraints.

The Digits Memory Game is designed to test the limits of your memory, assessing how effectively you can remember increasingly long sequences of information in a pressurized setting.

Keypress Game

Gameplay Overview: The Pymetrics Keypress Game is deceptively simple in concept. Your task is to press a specific key on your keyboard as many times as possible within a set time limit. The simplicity of the game belies its actual purpose.

The Subtle Challenge: The real test in this game lies not in the action of key pressing itself, but in your ability to accurately follow instructions. You must start pressing the key only upon receiving a specific prompt (usually a “GO!” message) and stop immediately when instructed to do so.

Stay vigilant for the start signal. Prematurely pressing the key or hesitating to start can be indicative of impulsivity or a lack of attentiveness to instructions.

• Processing Instructions : Evaluating your ability to accurately understand and follow the given directives.
• Motor Functioning : Testing your physical response time and coordination in a simple repetitive task.
• Impulsivity : Assessing your propensity to act impulsively, especially in a context where precision and adherence to instructions are key.

In the Keypress Game, the focus is on how well you process and respond to instructions, highlighting your attention to detail and impulse control in a seemingly straightforward task.

Lengths Game

Gameplay Overview: In the Pymetrics Lengths Game, each round presents you with an illustration of a face, featuring a mouth that varies in length. Your task is to accurately identify whether the mouth is short or long and respond based on this observation.

The Challenge: This game poses a significant challenge due to the subtle difference in the lengths of the mouths (or mustaches in the example). The distinction between short and long is often so minimal that it requires careful observation of both options for accurate differentiation.

An interesting aspect of this game is the occasional reward of money for correct answers. However, this doesn’t happen with every correct response. Therefore, using your earnings as a learning tool reflects only a probability, not a consistent pattern, making the game more complex.

• Learning : Assessing your ability to adapt and learn from the game’s pattern, especially in recognizing subtle differences.
• Attention to Details : Evaluating how well you notice and distinguish minor variations in the game’s visual elements.
• Motivation : Understanding your drive to continue performing well, even when the reward system is uncertain.

In the Lengths Game, your focus, ability to perceive fine details, and motivation to succeed are tested, particularly under conditions where accuracy is crucial, and rewards are unpredictable.

Money Exchange for Trust and Cooperation

Gameplay Overview: In the first version of the Pymetrics Money Exchange Game, you’re presented with a scenario where you’re partnered with another “participant.” The game begins with you possessing $10.

Your Decision: You have the choice to transfer any amount of this money to your partner. Intriguingly, the amount you decide to transfer will triple once it reaches the partner. Then, it’s up to your partner to decide how much of this increased sum to return to you.

Evaluation of Fairness: At the end of the transaction, you’re asked to assess the fairness of your partner’s decision on how much they returned to you.

Strategic Insight: This game is a measure of trust and cooperation. Your willingness to transfer money can reflect how much you trust others, a trait indicative of your potential as a collaborative team player. The more trust you show, the more you’re seen as cooperative and willing to engage in team-oriented tasks.

• Trust : Evaluating your inclination to trust others, particularly in scenarios involving shared resources.
• Risk Tolerance : Assessing your comfort with the uncertainty regarding how much of the money your partner will return.

The first Money Exchange Game offers a nuanced way to gauge your trust in others and your risk tolerance in cooperative situations, both crucial traits in team dynamics and collaborative environments.

Money Exchange Decision-Making and Altruism

Gameplay Overview: In the second version of the Pymetrics Money Exchange Game, the dynamics are somewhat different from the first, adding an extra layer of decision-making.

Initial Setup: Both you and your “partner” start with $5 each. However, only one of you (in this case, you) will receive an additional $5.

Your Choices:

• First Round: You have the option to transfer a portion of your extra $5 to your partner. Then, you’ll evaluate the fairness of this transaction.
• Second Round: In this round, you again receive an extra $5. This time, you must decide whether to transfer some of this amount to your partner or, alternatively, take some amount from them.

Strategic Consideration: The key difference in this game is that you have complete control over the final monetary distribution between you and your partner. It’s important to be thoughtful and consistent in your actions, as you will have to evaluate the fairness of the entire transaction process.

• Altruism : This game measures your tendency towards altruistic behavior, particularly how you balance self-interest with the welfare of others in financial decisions.

In the second Money Exchange Game, your approach to sharing or taking money offers insights into your altruistic tendencies and how you perceive and act upon fair distribution in collaborative scenarios.

Gameplay Overview: In the Pymetrics Cards Game, your task is to draw cards from one of four different decks. With each card drawn, you either gain or lose money. The ultimate objective is to finish the game with the highest amount of money possible.

The Challenge: As you draw cards, the outcomes may initially appear random, with wins and losses seemingly unpredictable. However, the game is designed for you to gradually recognize patterns in the decks. Recognizing these patterns allows you to make more informed and efficient choices, increasing your chances of accumulating a larger sum of money.

Critical to success in this game is your ability to observe and adapt to these patterns. It’s important to develop a strategy for choosing which deck to draw from, rather than making random selections.

• Risk Tolerance : Evaluating your comfort with uncertain outcomes and your ability to make decisions under risk.
• Learning : Assessing how quickly and effectively you can identify and adapt to emerging patterns in the game.
• Pattern Recognition : Measuring your ability to discern and react to patterns, which is crucial for making strategic decisions.

The Pymetrics Cards Game tests your strategic thinking, particularly how you manage risk, learn from outcomes, and utilize pattern recognition to maximize your gains.

Each game is tailored to assess different cognitive abilities and decision-making styles, offering a comprehensive evaluation of your skills.

The games cannot be paused, however, you can take a short break between the mini-games.

How to Prepare for the BCG Pymetrics Test

Developing key skills for success in the bcg pymetrics test.

We outlined the cognitive characteristics and the spectrum you can score above. Based on your answers, the Pymetrics Test creates a personal profile for each candidate. While there is no perfect profile, certain traits are more commonly found in consultants than others. Think about this when you decide on your answers on the BCG test.

So, what qualities should you focus on demonstrating during the BCG Pymetrics Test?

• Attention : Tackle each task methodically and at a consistent pace.
• Focus : Be quick to adapt when tasks change and efficiently manage multiple issues simultaneously, ensuring none are overlooked.
• Learning : Embrace a rapid learning curve and be open to adapting based on feedback.
• Decision Making : Base your decisions more on factual evidence and data, rather than solely on instinct or intuition.
• Risk Tolerance : Maintain a balanced approach to risk. Avoid excessive risk-taking, but also avoid prolonged deliberation before making a decision.
• Fairness : Prioritize fairness and equality in your decision-making during the game, and be vigilant in identifying unfair scenarios.
• Effort : Apply an 80/20 strategy, focusing on achieving effective results efficiently without getting bogged down by minor details.
• Emotion : Demonstrate your ability to understand and interpret others’ emotional responses, motivations, and concerns, looking beyond the surface.
• Generosity : Exhibit team spirit, showing willingness to prioritize the team’s or others’ interests over personal gain.

While there’s flexibility in the personality profile being sought, aim to align your approach with these attributes, as they are highly valued by BCG, especially in their pursuit of diverse candidate profiles.

Effective Preparation and Test-Taking Strategies

BCG and Pymetrics did not reinvent the wheel. Many firms are using this assessment now (JP Morgan, Bain, etc.). In fact, most games are very similar to popular cognitive and brain training apps.

The user interface is easy to navigate and kept very light. While BCG is adamant that no prior knowledge is needed, you can still get an edge over other candidates by becoming familiar with this type of assessment.

Below, we have compiled some tips on how you can prepare for the day of the digital assessment and how to take the test.

1. Be open to change and stay cognitively flexible

While everything we discuss here is true at the time of writing, our expertise with the McKinsey Problem Solving Game has shown us that such assessments are often adjusted to hinder candidates from preparing properly and discussing on forums and within their peer group. Some of the games we discuss above might be exchanged in the future for new types of games. Let this not distract you or surprise you when taking the Pymetrics.

2. Get a head start by using cognitive and brain training apps

Get into the habit of doing such assessments by practicing a few minutes a day with some brain training apps. You can easily do this on your commute or while waiting, etc. It will help prime your brain for the BCG Pymetrics Test. Some of our favorites include:

• Dr. Kawashima’s Brain Training – the classic (Nintendo Switch)
• Lumosity – engaging and fund ( App Store | Google Play )
• Elevate – multi-faceted ( App Store | Google Play )
• Peak – flexible preparation ( App Store | Google Play )

3. Read the instructions with great caution

Make sure you understand each task before working on a solution or selecting an answer. Small negligence could lead to you selecting the opposite of the answer you would actually like to choose. Never rush through the games or the user interface to avoid blunders or pitfalls on your end. If offered, look at the Pymetrics demo before you start.

4. Stay sharp

The BCG Pymetrics is short but intense, especially if you are not used to this kind of assessment. Attack it with laser-focus after a good night’s rest and some caffeine in your body. 🙂

5. Do not try to replicate results or solutions

Every candidate faces a uniquely generated scenario. Focus on the process instead and the desired traits that you want to display.

6. Have a game plan ready but stay flexible

Use the tutorials to strategize on how to approach each game. Think about potential questions and scenarios that could be thrown your way. Yet, remember to remain flexible as the games might change or look completely different than to what you expected initially.

What’s Happens When You Have Finished the Pymetrics?

Since you take the test from home, once you finish all 12 games, the results are automatically analyzed and then transmitted to BCG.

After the test, you will also be able to see your results similar to the image below.

Based on the outcome and other factors such as your resume, you will either receive an invitation to the interviews or drop out of the process. Candidates we talked to usually hear back from BCG within 1 to 2 weeks.

Did you take the BCG Pymetrics Test or are you going to take it soon? Post your experience or questions below.

Your Comprehensive Guide to BCG Online Case Experience

We’ve developed an all-in-one solution for all BCG Aptitude assessments. Our extensive 123-page guide, created in collaboration with previous test-takers and BCG insiders, covers the chatbot interview, the online case, the one-way video interview, and the Pymetrics. The guide provides:

• A thorough breakdown of each assessment, the skills tested, and tips on the best ways to approach each.
• The most effective preparation advice, tools, and exercises for each assessment.
• Insider strategies for taking the tests to optimize your scores for each test and game.
• 5 sample Casey tests to mirror the real BCG Online Case Assessment experience.

By following this guide, you’ll be able to

• answer all questions accurately within the stipulated time
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3 Responses

I just took the pymetrics test and got the most unique characteristics for learning concentration and attention. I am a little bit worried because I got ADD and probably that means nothing good. Is there an approach interpreting the direction? Otherwise, I will find out in the following week.

Hi Linus, the Pymetrics never is the sole decision criterion and is always looked at in combination with other things such as the resume, other tests, or the interviews. Don’t worry! All the best, Florian

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Florian spent 5 years with McKinsey as a senior consultant. He is an experienced consulting interviewer and problem-solving coach, having interviewed 100s of candidates in real and mock interviews. He started StrategyCase.com to make top-tier consulting firms more accessible for top talent, using tailored and up-to-date know-how about their recruiting. He ranks as the most successful consulting case and fit interview coach, generating more than 500 offers with MBB, tier-2 firms, Big 4 consulting divisions, in-house consultancies, and boutique firms through direct coaching of his clients over the last 3.5 years. His books “The 1%: Conquer Your Consulting Case Interview” and “Consulting Career Secrets” are available via Amazon.

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It is important to note that for each question there could be 2-3 correct answers at the same time. The passing score for the test is thought to be around 70%.

To prepare for the test you should brush up on your basic arithmetic, as well as take some practice tests to get you accustomed to working under tight pressure.

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Throughout the assessment centre, assessors will be evaluating your communication skills, ability to work in a team, and potential leadership qualities.

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To prepare for the interviews, make sure to do some thorough research into the company and its culture, the role, and the wider industry. Having a solid understanding of these can help put you ahead of other candidates.

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During a case interview, you will be presented with a business problem and will be asked to come up with a solution. This is used to assess how you process information, tackle problems and present your ideas. Check out BCGs case interview guide for more information on preparing for them.

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What is included?

Mckinsey problem solving game (solve).

McKinsey Solve is a digital gamified assessment designed to evaluate candidates’ abilities holistically. The online game involves two parts, and candidates are asked to play one game in each part. In part I, candidates play either Ecosystem Creation (Coral Reef) or Ecosystem Creation (Mountain Ridge); in part II, candidates play Plant Defense, Migration Management, Red Rock Study, Disaster Management, or Disease Management. We lay out exactly how Solve works, with publicly-available and remastered in-game visuals, a host of tips to crack the games, and provide you with the best guide available on how to prepare.

The McKinsey Online Assessment i.e., Problem Solving Game, Imbellus or Solve, is intended to assess a candidate based on:

• Systemic thinking - Being aware of cause-and-effect relationships and how they will influence potential consequences.
• Situational awareness - Being mindful of current conditions weighing on a situation and deducing likely outcomes.
• Decision making - Being able to determine the best course of action given a variety of options and variables.
• Metacognition - The ability to capture and process large amounts of information.
• Critical thinking - Critical thinking requires a questioning mindset and involves weighing information from a variety of sources and coming to logical conclusions.

BCG Potential Test

The BCG Potential Test is a variation of the same assessment used in many other management consulting firms, such as the SOVA assessment at Bain, or the Problem Solving Test at McKinsey, as a way to evaluate candidates' numerical, logical, and reasoning skills. The objective is to lower the company's recruiting expenditures by reducing the number of candidates who are considered worthy of a face-to-face interview. A candidate who fails the BCG Potential Test in these areas is likely to fail a case interview anyhow, which would be a huge waste of time and money for the organisation. Included in your BCG Potential Test guide are 4 best-in-class 23-question sample online assessments that are carefully crafted by former BCG consultants and give you the best opportunity to familiarize yourself and prepare for the test.   The Potential Test is accessible in two formats: computerised and paper-based; which format is used is determined by the local office. The key difference between both (apart from the fact that one is virtual and the other is physical) is that the candidate has 45 minutes to answer 23 questions on the computer-based Potential Test. The applicant has 50 minutes to answer 53 questions on the paper Potential Test. The computer-based test has questions on a single instance, but the paper test has questions about multiple separate cases. You will, however, be examined mathematically with numerical problems and logically with data interpretation and comprehension questions in both assessments.   Important note: This examination has been largely phased out by BCG, as they aim to go towards the chatbot or pymetrics evaluation.

Packed with 30 verbal reasoning questions, 30 numerical reasoning questions, 18 logical reasoning questions, and 40 personality test statements, our Bain SOVA prep package is a comprehensive tool designed to facilitate your preparation for the assessment.

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Navigating the BCG Online Case Experience: A Practical Guide

Are you preparing for a BCG case interview? Our article, "Navigating the BCG Online Case Experience: A Practical Guide," provides valuable insights and tips for acing the online case experience.

Posted May 18, 2023

Featuring Taylor H.

Consulting Resume and Cover Letter Intensive

Tuesday, april 16.

11:00 PM UTC · 45 minutes

Table of Contents

The BCG Online Case Experience is a unique assessment tool designed by the global management consulting firm, Boston Consulting Group (BCG). This platform is used to evaluate the critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities of candidates who apply for positions at BCG. The BCG Online Case Experience is a challenging test, but it also provides an opportunity for candidates to demonstrate their potential and stand out in the competitive job market. In this practical guide, we provide you with all the information you need to ace the BCG Online Case Experience.

Understanding the Basics of BCG Online Case Experience

The BCG Online Case Experience is an interactive platform that simulates real-life business scenarios. There are multiple cases available on the platform, and each case involves a series of questions that require you to analyze the data, identify the problem, and come up with a solution. You have a limited amount of time to complete each case, so you need to be efficient with your time management and prioritize the most critical issues.

One of the key benefits of the BCG Online Case Experience is that it allows you to practice your problem-solving skills in a safe and controlled environment. You can make mistakes and learn from them without any real-world consequences. Additionally, the platform provides instant feedback on your performance, allowing you to identify areas where you need to improve and adjust your approach accordingly.

To get the most out of the BCG Online Case Experience, it's essential to approach each case with a clear and structured thought process. This involves breaking down the problem into smaller, more manageable parts, identifying the key issues, and developing a logical and data-driven solution. With practice, you can refine your problem-solving skills and become more confident in your ability to tackle complex business challenges.

How to Prepare for BCG Online Case Experience

To prepare for the BCG Online Case Experience, you need to do some research on the type of cases that BCG typically handles, such as mergers and acquisitions, market entry, and cost optimization. You can also use online resources to familiarize yourself with the format and structure of the platform. Practice is key to success in the BCG Online Case Experience, so make sure to attempt multiple cases and get feedback on your performance.

Additionally, it is important to understand the BCG problem-solving approach, which involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable parts. This approach is known as the "MECE" (Mutually Exclusive, Collectively Exhaustive) framework. Familiarizing yourself with this framework can help you approach cases in a structured and organized manner, which is highly valued by BCG recruiters.

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Tips and Tricks to Ace the BCG Online Case Experience

One of the most crucial tips for success in the BCG Online Case Experience is to stay calm and composed under pressure. You need to be confident in your analytical skills and be comfortable with uncertainty. Another tip is to communicate your thought process clearly and logically. Use diagrams, graphs, and tables to present your findings in a structured and organized way. Lastly, pay attention to the details and avoid making assumptions. It is essential to ask clarifying questions and gather all the necessary information before making any recommendations.

Additionally, it is important to practice time management during the BCG Online Case Experience. You will be given a limited amount of time to analyze the case and provide recommendations. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize your tasks and allocate your time wisely. Start by identifying the key issues and focus on solving them first. Avoid getting bogged down by minor details or tangents that are not relevant to the case. By managing your time effectively, you can ensure that you provide a comprehensive and well-thought-out solution within the given time frame.

What to Expect During the BCG Online Case Experience

The BCG Online Case Experience can be challenging and intense, but it is also an exciting learning opportunity. You should expect to encounter complex business problems, data interpretation challenges, and time pressure. You will have access to multiple data sources, such as financial statements, market reports, and customer surveys. Your performance will be evaluated based on your analytical skills, problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and attention to detail.

Additionally, during the BCG Online Case Experience, you will have the opportunity to work in a team with other candidates. Collaboration and teamwork are essential skills for a consultant, and this exercise will allow you to showcase your ability to work effectively with others. You will also receive feedback from BCG consultants, which will help you identify areas for improvement and develop your consulting skills further. Overall, the BCG Online Case Experience is an excellent opportunity to gain insight into the consulting industry and prepare for a career in consulting.

Key Features of BCG Online Case Experience

The BCG Online Case Experience offers several key features that make it a unique and valuable assessment tool. Firstly, it provides candidates with a realistic simulation of the type of work they would be doing at BCG, which enables them to demonstrate their skills and potential. Secondly, the platform is accessible and user-friendly, allowing candidates from all backgrounds and locations to participate. Lastly, the BCG Online Case Experience provides personalized feedback and insights into your performance, which you can use to improve your skills and prepare for future assessments.

In addition to these key features, the BCG Online Case Experience also offers a variety of case studies that cover different industries and business problems. This allows candidates to gain exposure to a range of scenarios and challenges that they may encounter in their work at BCG. Furthermore, the platform is designed to be adaptive, meaning that the difficulty level of the cases adjusts based on the candidate's performance. This ensures that each candidate is challenged appropriately and evaluated fairly. Overall, the BCG Online Case Experience is a comprehensive and effective tool for assessing candidates' potential and suitability for a career at BCG.

Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them in BCG Online Case Experience

One of the most common pitfalls in the BCG Online Case Experience is rushing through the questions and not taking the time to read and understand them properly. This can lead to incorrect assumptions and flawed recommendations. To avoid this, take the time to analyze the case thoroughly and ask clarifying questions if necessary. Another pitfall is not paying attention to the details, such as the units of measurement and the validity of the data sources. Make sure to double-check all your calculations and assumptions, and use reliable data sources.

Additionally, another common pitfall in the BCG Online Case Experience is not effectively communicating your thought process and recommendations. It is important to clearly articulate your reasoning and explain how you arrived at your conclusions. This can be achieved by using structured frameworks and presenting your ideas in a logical and organized manner. Practice your communication skills and seek feedback from others to improve your ability to convey your ideas effectively.

How to Use Feedback from BCG Online Case Experience to Improve Your Performance

The feedback you receive from the BCG Online Case Experience can be a valuable resource for improving your skills and preparing for future assessments. Use the feedback to identify your strengths and weaknesses, and focus on improving areas where you need more practice. Talk to experienced consultants and seek advice on how to sharpen your analytical skills and problem-solving abilities. Join online communities and forums where you can interact with other candidates and share your experiences.

Another way to use feedback from the BCG Online Case Experience is to analyze the patterns in the feedback. Look for common themes or areas where multiple assessors have identified the same strengths or weaknesses. This can help you identify areas where you consistently excel or struggle, and give you a clear direction for where to focus your efforts.

Additionally, don't be afraid to ask for more specific feedback from your assessors. If there is a particular area where you feel you need more guidance, reach out and ask for more detailed feedback or suggestions for improvement. This can help you gain a deeper understanding of your performance and make more targeted improvements.

Comparing BCG Online Case Experience with Other Similar Platforms

BCG Online Case Experience is not the only assessment tool available for candidates who want to pursue consulting careers. Other similar platforms include McKinsey Problem-Solving Game, Bain Virtual Interview, and Oliver Wyman Online Assessment. While these platforms have similar objectives and structures, they differ in terms of the types of cases, the level of difficulty, and the feedback mechanisms. It is crucial to research each platform carefully and prepare accordingly.

One important factor to consider when comparing these platforms is the time limit for each case. BCG Online Case Experience typically gives candidates 45-60 minutes to complete a case, while McKinsey Problem-Solving Game and Bain Virtual Interview may have shorter or longer time limits. Additionally, some platforms may allow candidates to pause and resume a case, while others require completion in one sitting. Understanding the time constraints and requirements of each platform can help candidates better manage their time and perform their best.

Success Stories: Real-Life Examples of People Who Nailed the BCG Online Case Experience

Many candidates have successfully navigated the BCG Online Case Experience and secured consulting positions at BCG. These success stories can provide you with inspiration and guidance on how to approach the platform. Some of the common traits among successful candidates include excellent analytical skills, effective communication, and a structured thought process. It is essential to learn from these success stories but also remember that everyone's journey is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to the BCG Online Case Experience.

The BCG Online Case Experience is a challenging yet rewarding assessment tool that can open doors to exciting consulting careers. To ace the platform, you need to be prepared, focused, and confident in your abilities. Use the tips and advice in this practical guide to navigate the BCG Online Case Experience successfully, and remember that practice and perseverance are key to success.

One success story that stands out is that of John, who had no prior consulting experience but aced the BCG Online Case Experience. John spent several weeks preparing for the platform, practicing with mock cases and seeking feedback from friends and family. He also researched BCG's values and culture to ensure he was a good fit for the company. During the assessment, John remained calm and composed, using his analytical skills to break down complex problems and communicate his solutions effectively. His structured thought process and attention to detail impressed the assessors, and he was offered a consulting position at BCG soon after. John's success story shows that with dedication and hard work, anyone can succeed in the BCG Online Case Experience.

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Ace Your Prep with BCG Practice Test Guidance

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on excelling in the BCG Practice Test . If you aspire to secure a promising consulting future, mastering the BCG Practice Test is essential. In this section, we will provide you with valuable guidance, effective strategies, and insider tips to optimize your performance in the BCG Practice Test and ensure you are fully prepared for success.

Key Takeaways:

• Prepare effectively for the BCG Practice Test to secure your consulting future.
• Implement strategies and insider tips to optimize your performance.
• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the test’s purpose, format, and key areas.
• Work with BCG sample questions to build familiarity and problem-solving skills.
• Utilize the BCG study guide for comprehensive exam preparation.

Understanding the BCG Practice Test

In this section, we’ll explore the BCG Practice Test in detail, discussing its purpose, format, and key areas to focus on during your preparation. Gain a comprehensive understanding of what to expect and how to make the most of this essential practice resource.

The BCG Practice Test is a crucial component of your BCG exam preparation . Designed to simulate the actual test experience, it assesses your knowledge and skills in various consulting-related areas.

The purpose of the BCG Practice Test is to provide you with an opportunity to familiarize yourself with the exam format, question types, and time constraints. It helps you gauge your level of readiness and identify areas that require further study and improvement.

During the BCG Practice Test, you’ll encounter a variety of question formats, including multiple-choice, case studies, and problem-solving exercises. These questions are designed to evaluate your critical thinking abilities and problem-solving skills, both of which are crucial in the consulting field.

To excel in the BCG Practice Test, it is important to focus on key areas such as business acumen, data analysis, strategic thinking, and communication skills. These are the core competencies that BCG assesses in its selection process, and mastering them is essential for success.

As you navigate through the BCG Practice Test, take note of the areas where you struggle or require additional practice. This will enable you to target your efforts and allocate more time for improvement in those specific areas.

Remember, the BCG Practice Test is a valuable tool for self-assessment and preparation. It provides insights into the types of questions you may encounter, allowing you to refine your knowledge and test-taking strategies.

Benefits of the BCG Practice Test:

• Gains familiarity with the exam format and question types.
• Builds confidence in tackling consulting-related problems.
• Identifies strengths and weaknesses for targeted improvement.
• Enhances critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

By dedicating time to understand and practice with the BCG Practice Test, you’ll be better prepared to tackle the actual exam and increase your chances of success in securing a consulting role with BCG.

Mastering the BCG Sample Questions

As you embark on your BCG exam preparation journey, one essential resource you should leverage is BCG sample questions . These questions play a pivotal role in helping you build familiarity with various question types, refine your problem-solving skills, and identify areas for improvement.

Working with BCG sample questions allows you to gain valuable insights into the format and structure of the actual exam. By practicing with questions that closely resemble those you’ll encounter on test day, you can develop a more intuitive understanding of how to approach different types of problems.

The sample questions provide an opportunity to apply the knowledge and concepts you’ve learned, enabling you to practice applying analytical frameworks, developing recommendations, and presenting your solutions effectively. As you work through these questions, pay attention to the specific skills and competencies being tested, and focus on honing those areas.

“The more you practice with BCG sample questions, the more familiar you become with the test format, ensuring you’re fully prepared to tackle the actual exam.”

In addition to familiarizing yourself with the question types, working with BCG sample questions allows you to refine your problem-solving skills. By attempting a wide range of practice questions, you can identify patterns in the problem-solving process, recognize common pitfalls, and develop effective strategies for tackling complex scenarios. This iterative approach helps you refine your analytical thinking and enhances your ability to approach unfamiliar problems with confidence.

The practice questions also serve as a valuable tool for self-assessment. By analyzing your performance on the sample questions, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses, allowing you to prioritize your study efforts and focus on improving areas where you may be struggling. Regularly reviewing your answers and understanding the underlying reasoning helps you build a solid foundation and become more proficient in tackling BCG exam questions.

To make the most of your practice sessions with the BCG sample questions, it’s essential to set aside dedicated study time, simulate exam conditions as closely as possible, and track your progress over time. By integrating these questions into your exam preparation routine, you’ll be better equipped to tackle the actual exam confidently.

With a comprehensive set of BCG sample questions at your disposal, you can effectively enhance your exam preparation, boost your confidence, and increase your chances of success on the BCG exam.

Enhancing Your Skills with the BCG Mock Test

When it comes to your BCG exam preparation , incorporating the BCG mock test into your study routine can provide you with substantial benefits. This simulated exam experience is designed to help you enhance your skills, gauge your performance, manage time effectively, and build confidence for the actual BCG test.

The BCG mock test serves as a valuable tool to assess your level of readiness and identify areas that require improvement. By simulating the real exam environment, you’ll gain a better understanding of the format, question types, and time constraints you’ll encounter on test day.

Benefits of the BCG Mock Test

1. Performance Evaluation: Taking the BCG mock test allows you to evaluate your current level of knowledge and problem-solving abilities. It helps you identify your strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to focus your study efforts on areas that need improvement.

2. Time Management: Time management is crucial during the BCG exam. The mock test gives you the opportunity to practice pacing yourself and answering questions within the allocated time frame. By fine-tuning your time management skills, you’ll be better equipped to complete the actual exam on time.

3. Confidence Building: Participating in the BCG mock test helps build confidence by familiarizing you with the format and content of the actual exam. As you become more comfortable with the question types and challenges, your confidence in tackling them will grow, allowing you to perform at your best on test day.

How to Make the Most of the BCG Mock Test

Follow these tips to maximize the benefits of the BCG mock test:

• Simulate real exam conditions by setting aside a dedicated time slot and creating a quiet and focused study environment.
• Review your performance after completing the mock test. Analyze your answers, identify any patterns of mistakes, and make note of concepts that require further study.
• Use the mock test as a learning tool. Take the time to understand the rationale behind each correct answer and the reasoning for incorrect choices.
• Utilize the BCG mock test as a benchmark to track your progress. Take regular mock tests throughout your preparation to measure your improvement over time.

Remember, the BCG mock test is an invaluable resource that can significantly enhance your exam preparation. By incorporating it into your study routine, you’ll be better equipped to ace the BCG exam and secure your consulting future.

Leveraging the BCG Study Guide

During your BCG exam preparation journey, utilizing a comprehensive BCG study guide is essential for optimizing your understanding of the key concepts tested in the BCG Practice Test. This guide is a valuable resource that provides you with access to study materials and recommended strategies, ensuring you approach the exam with confidence and knowledge.

“The BCG study guide is an indispensable tool for success in the exam. It offers a structured approach, allowing candidates to systematically cover all the necessary topics while providing additional resources for in-depth understanding.” – Jane Williams, BCG Exam Expert

Uncover Valuable Resources

The BCG study guide offers a curated selection of resources that are directly aligned with the exam format and content. These resources can include textbooks, online lectures, practice quizzes, and case study examples. By leveraging these resources, you can gain a holistic understanding of the subject matter and develop a strong foundation for tackling the BCG Practice Test.

Study Materials for Comprehensive Preparation

The study materials provided in the BCG study guide cover all the essential topics and concepts that are commonly tested in the exam. These materials are designed to be concise, yet comprehensive, enabling you to efficiently absorb the necessary information without feeling overwhelmed. Make sure to thoroughly review each section and reinforce your learning by completing relevant exercises and practice questions.

Recommended Strategies for Success

The BCG study guide also offers recommended strategies for approaching the exam effectively. These strategies are based on insights from successful candidates and industry professionals, providing you with valuable tips and techniques to optimize your performance. By aligning your study approach with these proven strategies, you can enhance your problem-solving skills, improve time management, and increase your chances of success in the BCG Practice Test.

By leveraging the BCG study guide, you can streamline your exam preparation process and maximize your chances of achieving a high score. Remember to utilize the provided resources, delve into the study materials, and implement the recommended strategies to gain a competitive edge in the BCG Practice Test.

Simulating Real Exam Conditions with the BCG Test Simulator

As you embark on your BCG exam preparation journey, it is crucial to simulate real exam conditions to enhance your readiness. The BCG test simulator serves as a valuable tool in replicating the actual exam experience, allowing you to refine your time management skills, familiarize yourself with the test interface, and ensure a smooth and confident performance on exam day.

By using the BCG test simulator , you will have the opportunity to practice in a controlled environment that closely mirrors the conditions of the real exam. This simulation enables you to get accustomed to the time constraints and pressure of the actual test, helping you build the necessary resilience and focus required to excel.

The BCG test simulator also plays a pivotal role in optimizing your time management skills. By practicing with the simulator, you can gauge how long it takes you to complete each section, identify areas where you may be spending too much time, and strategically allocate your time during the exam. This will ensure that you make the most efficient use of the allocated time, maximizing your chances of completing all questions and achieving a high score.

In addition, using the BCG test simulator allows you to become familiar with the interface and navigation of the actual test. You can explore the various features, functionalities, and tools available, ensuring that you are comfortable using them during the exam. This familiarity reduces the risk of encountering technical difficulties or wasting valuable time figuring out how to navigate the test interface.

Overall, integrating the BCG test simulator into your preparation process will significantly contribute to your success on the actual exam day. It provides you with a realistic and immersive experience that mirrors the challenges you will face, allowing you to refine your time management skills, familiarize yourself with the test interface, and approach the BCG exam with confidence.

Key Benefits of the BCG Test Simulator:

• Simulates real exam conditions
• Refines time management skills
• Familiarizes you with the test interface
• Builds resilience and focus
• Maximizes efficiency in completing questions

Testimonials

“The BCG test simulator played a crucial role in my preparation. It allowed me to experience the time pressure and stress of the real exam, enabling me to fine-tune my approach and maximize my performance on test day. I highly recommend incorporating it into your study routine.” Emily Thompson, BCG Exam Candidate

“Using the BCG test simulator gave me the confidence I needed to tackle the exam. The realistic interface and timed practice sessions helped me become familiar with the exam format, manage my time effectively, and perform at my best. It was a game-changer for my preparation.” David Johnson, BCG Exam Candidate

In conclusion, the BCG Practice Test is a crucial tool for your exam preparation journey. By following the guidance provided in this article, you’ll be equipped with effective strategies, insider tips, and essential resources to excel in the BCG Practice Test.

With a focus on enhancing your problem-solving capabilities, the BCG Practice Test allows you to strengthen your exam readiness and improve your performance. By working with sample questions, leveraging the study guide, and simulating real exam conditions with the test simulator, you’ll be able to build confidence and familiarity with the BCG exam format.

By adopting these comprehensive approaches to your BCG exam preparation, you can pave the way towards a successful career in consulting. So, make the most of the BCG Practice Test and unlock your full potential in the exam.

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BCG Potential test

The BCG Potential Test is your ticket into the world of consulting careers. What is the test all about, and how can you ace it?

If your career interests run towards the field of strategic & business consulting, you must have surely heard of the Boston Consulting Group (BCG). It is an American management consulting company that operates worldwide, with over 90 offices spread across fifty countries.

The firm undertakes the operation of advising clients belonging to the non-profit, public, and private sectors, with a clientele occupying two-thirds and even more of the Fortune 500 companies. For many years BCG holds #2 position in the overall global VAULT ranking for consulting companies not only for its scale and top-notch expertise but also for the opportunities it gives to the employees in terms of compensation, benefits, and promotion policies.

What is the BCG Potential Test?

When you apply for a consulting position in some BCG offices, during the first selection steps, you will have to attempt the BCG Potential Test. Candidates need to prove problem-solving capabilities in this test, using a combination of data interpretation, assessments of logical thinking, and data comprehension. Comparing with standardized psychometric tests and GMAT-like tests, candidates regard the BCG Potential test as the most difficult one. The main aim of this test is to verify the level of your skills to read datasheets, graphical charts, and to quickly draw logical conclusions on what the data conclusively conveys.

Formats of the BCG Potential Test and how they are scored

There are two formats in use as per the claims of the candidates who have attempted the BCG Potential Test.

Most countries carry out an online BCG test, including the UK, US, UAE, Germany, France, Greece, Italy, Spain, Singapore, Australia, etc. However, two countries have proved to be an exception to this format where candidates claimed different test experiences in the offices there. The countries include the Czech Republic and Russia.

It is better to contact the local office in your vicinity and confirm with the HR department about the format you will attempt before starting your preparation.

It is important to emphasize that the BCG potential test checks the level of your skills and does not test your personal knowledge.

The time limit for the test and the number of questions varies per office. However, the two most popular formats are:

• A case study test of 23 questions in 45 minutes
• GMAT-like test of 53 questions in 50 minutes

During the test, you have to attempt multiple-choice questions. As for the scoring system, that too varies slightly across the multiple offices, but the majority of the reports tell us that the most popular scoring system is 0 for blank, 3 for the right answer, and -1 for the incorrect answer. Most of the deductions apply to mathematical questions.

The reason why BCG employs this rule is to deter test takers from choosing answers randomly when they find themselves short of time.

How is the BCG Potential Test Structured?

The typical 23-question BCG Potential case is divided into several pieces called “docs.” All of the docs connect to form one big story. Generally, all the docs comprise a description of the case, charts, tables, and graphs.

After every three or four questions, you will see a new doc surfacing. There will also be questions that will ask you to refer to certain previous docs, but there will never be any questions asking you to consult future docs.

While this may sound very easy right now, in truth, the game is far more complex. The first couple of questions generally revolves around doc 1, doc 1-3, or so on, but as the case approaches the end, it instructs you to refer to doc 1-6 or 1-5. You can thus note the challenge of combining several docs to solve one question.

There are also situations where one question may relate to another. For example, you may not be able to independently solve question number 3 without first solving question number 2.

All the questions in the test could be grouped into three categories:

1. Word problem – ~50-60% of all questions

These are the questions that deal with Math Word Problems, Comparisons, and Rankings.

• Generic quantitative questions
• Calculation of indicators, KPIs
• True-false like questions & Assessment of the impact of different activities on different indicators that require calculations
• The ranking or comparing different indicators  

2. Root-Cause Reason - ~30% of all questions

These questions check if a reader can identify the causing reason for certain mentioned facts.

• Identification of the scenario or statement that lead to the stated condition
• Critical evaluation questions
• The least (best) suitable option selection

3. Fact-Based Conclusion - ~10-20% of all questions

These questions check if a reader can draw logical conclusions from the facts given in the test.

• True-false like questions based on mentioned facts

Tips for Preparing for the BCG Potential Test

Here are a few tips to help you as you prepare for your BCG Potential test take.

• You must well acquaint yourself with the test format and the type of questions that will come your way.    
• You must devote sufficient time to polishing up your math and logical skills. The test does not give you much time to double-check your calculations - you must revive your skills and prepare well to enhance your accuracy and speed.
• You must not, for a moment, forget the time constraint you have to work under during the test. You must make yourself capable of scanning the information to extract what you need as opposed to dwelling at length on the text. Moving accurately and promptly through questions is compulsory if you wish to ace the test.
• While we are not eliminating the importance of the other given documents - pay especially close attention to tables and graphs. When you begin answering questions, you must look at the tables and graphs before you proceed to the text.
• Always keep in mind that the questions require you to refer to docs, and sometimes you have to combine multiple docs for the solution. This makes it doubly important to read the question thoroughly and carefully so that you refer to the right information.
• You should plan the answers. When you start answering questions with a solid plan to guide you, you will know exactly what to look for in the given documents. Your scanning will thus be purposeful and not merely waste precious time.
• You must support your answers with data and not make choices first. It would help if you always had a solid reasoning chain connecting the initial data with your answer.
• Make sure you keep your answers clear and precise. An incorrect digit will make the whole calculation go wrong, so no slip-ups are affordable for you in the test.
• If you find yourself incapable of answering a question, it is wise to move on to the next one rather than muddling over the tricky one. Once you have completed the rest, you can always return to the question you skipped if you have time remaining.
• Wise planning and thorough preparation always pay off. It would help if you started your preparation early and reserved sufficient time for research on the subject and practice.
• And finally, remember practice always makes it perfect. Plenty of practice would make you aware of what is expected at the test and boost your confidence.

Final Thought

The BCG entry test will check your logical thinking, data interpretation, and mathematical computation skills. With the right approach and sufficient practice, you can develop the skills that consulting firms seek in their potential candidates.

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